100 Days to Go: How Rugby Clubs Can Prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup

With just 100 days to go until the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off, the excitement is building fast — and it’s not just the national teams who should be getting ready. This landmark tournament offers a golden opportunity for rugby clubs at every level to engage their communities, grow the women’s game, and celebrate the sport we all love. But to make the most of it, clubs need to start planning now.

Here’s how rugby clubs can prepare, promote, and participate in the countdown to the Women’s Rugby World Cup:

1. Plan Viewing Events and Socials

A World Cup is more than just a tournament — it’s a moment to bring people together. Hosting watch parties for big matches (especially those involving your national team) can help foster club spirit, attract new fans, and boost your clubhouse atmosphere. Whether it’s a family-friendly afternoon showing or a lively Friday night fixture, make it an event.

Top Tip: Partner with local businesses for food, drinks, or prizes to enhance the experience and build community ties.

2. Celebrate and Showcase Your Women’s Teams

Now is the time to spotlight your women’s section. Use your platforms to profile players, coaches, and volunteers. Share their stories, successes, and why they love the game. Align these stories with World Cup themes and hashtags to amplify your reach.

If you don’t yet have a women’s team, now’s the time to start the conversation. Promote a ‘Give Rugby a Try’ day or taster sessions during the tournament window.

3. Launch Recruitment Drives

World Cups spark interest. Be ready to turn that interest into action. Promote beginner-friendly training sessions and make it easy for people to join. Use clear, inclusive messaging and make it known that rugby is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Ideas:

• “Train Like a World Cup Star” taster sessions
• Youth open days themed around the tournament
• Club welcome packs or starter kits

4. Partner with Schools and Community Groups

Use the World Cup as a tool to inspire the next generation. Offer to run sessions in local schools or invite classes to the club to watch a game. Create basic World Cup-themed activity packs for teachers or offer coaching support for PE lessons.

This is especially powerful if your club has links to players in the tournament — highlight those stories!

5. Embrace Digital Engagement

Update your website, social channels, and email newsletters with Women’s Rugby World Cup content. Share match previews, score updates, and behind-the-scenes tournament content. Make it fun, shareable, and club-centric.

Content ideas:

• “Player to Watch” series
• Fun facts or quizzes about the World Cup
• Reaction videos from club members

6. Create a Legacy Plan

What happens after the final whistle matters just as much. Use the World Cup to drive long-term growth for your women’s and girls’ programmes. Set clear goals for recruitment, training, and investment — and share them with your members.

Example goals:

• Launch an U12s girls team by year-end
• Train 3 new female coaches in the next 6 months
• Double female participation by next season

100 days out, the countdown is on — but the real work starts now. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is more than a spectacle; it’s a catalyst for change and a celebration of how far the game has come. For clubs that step up, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to grow, connect, and lead the way in supporting the future of women’s rugby.

So rally your volunteers, light up your socials, and let the world know: your club is ready.