Impact ’25: Over 37,000 Women & Girls Reached as Women’s Rugby Legacy Gathers Pace
With just days to go until the Red Roses kick off the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in Sunderland, the RFU has released the latest results from Impact ’25—the game-changing legacy programme that’s helping transform the future of women’s and girls’ rugby.
Year 3 of Impact ’25 has already reached over 37,000 women and girls, supported more than 500 clubs, schools and universities, and seen a 35% increase in registered age-grade girls since the programme began. These numbers are more than stats—they represent lives changed, doors opened, and rugby communities across the country growing stronger.
What is Impact ’25?
Launched ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Impact ’25 is a £14.55 million investment into the women’s game across the home nations. It’s being delivered by the RFU in partnership with the UK Government, Sport England and UK Sport, and it’s focused on five key pillars:
- Facilities
- Coaching and Officiating
- Playing and Volunteering
- International Development
- Community and Fan Engagement
The goal? Make rugby more accessible for women and girls, not just during the tournament but for years to come.
What’s Happening on the Ground?
From clubs seeing new faces at training, to schools offering rugby to girls for the first time, Impact ’25 is already making a real difference:
- 3,385 new female coaches and match officials have started their training journey.
- 77% of funding has been targeted outside London and the South East, helping to grow the game in regions that often get overlooked.
- New non-contact formats like T1 Rugby are on their way into 5,000 schools and colleges, broadening the game’s reach.
Voices from the Game
Alex Teasdale, RFU Executive Director of the Women’s Game, said:
“We can really see the growth across all five of our key focus areas – from coaching and officiating to playing and volunteering. This is a clear demonstration of how investment can directly improve the rugby experiences of women and girls across the country.”
Steve Grainger, RFU Executive Director of Rugby Development, added:
“It’s encouraging to see the direct impact this investment is having in our clubs, schools, colleges and unis. It complements our ambitious plans to grow the game in new ways.”
And perhaps the most powerful endorsement came from a parent involved in a grassroots girls’ programme:
“Thank you for all you’ve done, it’s really made my daughter excited about rugby. It’s given her a chance to enjoy a sport she otherwise wouldn’t have tried.”
A Legacy in Motion
The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off on 22 August in Sunderland, with the final set for Twickenham Stadium in front of what’s expected to be a capacity crowd.
But while the tournament will grab headlines, it’s the ongoing impact at grassroots level that will shape the real legacy. Programmes like Impact ’25 are helping clubs, coaches, and volunteers create lasting change—bringing more people into the game and keeping them there.
Image by christianesteve from Pixabay
