'Witnessing a generational moment' - the numbers behind record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2025

Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director Sarah Massey says "we are witnessing a generational moment" as a record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2025 heads for a thrilling finale at a sold-out Allianz Stadium this Saturday.

The records have tumbled all through the tournament - starting on the opening night where 42 723 were at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland to witness England take on USA. It was a record attendance for a Women's Rugby World Cup but not one that will still be standing by this time next week thanks to the historic final we have in store.

England won on that opening night, and have kept winning games since - all the way up to their victory against France over the weekend which was played in front of a packed house of 25 478. Along with the other semi-final between Canada and New Zealand, more than 50 000 came to watch the penultimate round of the Rugby World Cup at Ashton Gate - another record.

Those numbers add to an overall figure of 440 000 tickets sold during this Rugby World Cup, which is 100 000 more than the original objective laid out by World Cup and three times more than the number sold for a delayed Rugby World Cup 2021 only three years ago.

"It’s an extraordinary milestone that surpasses even our best expectations," Massey said at Rugby World Cup 2025's Tournament Weekly Conference on Monday.

"We will set a new world record attendance for a women’s match at the final - surpassing Paris 2024, the Women’s Six Nations and doubling the attendance we saw at Eden Park in the last World Cup final.

"When we look back at Rugby World Cup attendances through recent history, it’s clear: we are witnessing a generational moment and the trajectory of women’s rugby is only moving upwards."

The tournament will conclude on Saturday, where over 80 000 people will be in attendance to watch the Red Roses take on Canada in a replay of the 2014 final, before which New Zealand will take on France in the Bronze Final. Massey says fans can expect "a rocking atmosphere" on the final day of what has been the biggest women's rugby tournament in history.

"Finals day is going to be spectacular," Massey continued. "Congratulations to Canada and England for earning their place in the Rugby World Cup Final. Both teams have shown incredible spirit and skill, and we can’t wait to see them go head-to-head for the ultimate accolade.

"Fans coming to Allianz Stadium can expect a rocking atmosphere, with a full house, music, and entertainment throughout the day - including a special performance by British artist Sophie Lloyd, so get in early to not miss any of it. It’s going to be a true celebration of rugby, both on and off the pitch."

There will also be chance to celebrate some of the stars of the game on Saturday night, with Canada's Sophie de Goede and England's Megan Jones both hoping to lead their team to victory in the final as well as scoop the Women’s Player of the Year award in partnership with HSBC.

They will have competition from New Zealand's Jorja Miller, who has been nominated for that award as well as being nominated for the 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. For the latter, Miller is up against teammate and try-scoring sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee as well as Fiji's Josifini Neihamu.

With the queens of the game being lauded in front of a packed house at the home of English rugby, it is set to be a night that will live long in the memory and be recognised, as Massey said, as a generational moment.

There has have been other milestones moments to celebrate here and beyond, with a full female team of groundkeepers in charge across the country in what is a first at a rugby event, and the recent announcement of the launch of the WXV Global Series. The new competition will provide over 100 fixtures in the next four-year cycle, bringing together the world’s top 18 teams which promises even further growth in the women's game.

"The stage is set. The number one team in the world will face the number two team in the grand finale on Saturday, in front of a sell-out crowd at Twickenham," Rugby World Cup 2025 Competition Director Yvonne Nolan said.

"Speaking as someone who once had the privilege of playing on this stage, it’s almost hard to believe what we are about to witness.

"This is a thrilling time for women’s rugby. And we are only just getting started."

Meanwhile, England players Alex Matthews, Morwenna Talling, Jess Breach, Lucy Packer, Maddie Feaunati, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sadia Kabeya and Megan Jones reflect on Rugby World Cup 2025 and the achievement of reaching the final on Saturday.

Alex Matthews

"Winning the 2014 tournament was an amazing feeling. It was a pinch yourself moment and I was so fortunate to achieve that with a great bunch of girls so early in my career. This tournament feels different because of the amount of coverage, the number of fans supporting us each week, messages of support we receive daily and with it being at home in England. The support has been on another level and it’s only going to continue to rise beyond the conclusion of this World Cup. We can’t thank the supporters enough for their incredible backing and we know they will be cheering us on loud and proud at Allianz Stadium on Saturday."

Morwenna Talling

"When England last won the World Cup in 2014, I was 12. Although the coverage of the tournament wasn’t like it is now, it was so inspirational to see female rugby players achieving something with their country. We are now in that spotlight and hold a responsibility as Red Roses to inspire young girls and boys to take an interest in our sport, whether watching or playing, and we hope that our sport continues to raise its profile following on from this World Cup. It has been an awesome experience, but we have to earn the right to an even better experience this weekend at Allianz Stadium."

Jess Breach

"To have scored my 50th try and had my 50th cap in this tournament has been a dream come true. The levels of support has been phenomenal and extremely special. We love interacting with our supporters up and down the country and to have played in almost every region has really shone a light on what women’s rugby can offer so many people. From day one for us it’s been about earning the right to reach the final, doing it for the girls and enjoying every moment along the way. It’s been an exciting journey to this point and we’re relishing the chance to run out on Saturday in front of a sell-out crowd."

Lucy Packer

"I have really enjoyed the past few weeks with the girls. We have really bonded as a group and embraced every moment of the tournament together. We obviously have had our goals on the field but it has been awesome to see how much people have enjoyed this World Cup – not only following the Red Roses but all the other nations too. It feels like the start of our sport growing exponentially. For us, we have our job to do, and we’ll stick to our process ahead of Saturday. We appreciate everyone for supporting us the whole way."

Maddie Feaunati

"I’ve made so many memories throughout this tournament and it’s not over yet. The bonds we have made as a squad have been incredibly special, and they will last a long, long time. Having a home World Cup has meant we have been closer than ever to the supporters who have backed us immensely from Sunderland down to Brighton across to Bristol and across social media too. It’s an experience I’ve relished but we have one more memory to make as a group. Allianz Stadium which will be bouncing with thousands of England fans!"

Lark Atkin-Davies

"I remember in 2014 watching the Red Roses win the World Cup and aspiring to earn my first England cap and start my international journey. We have had so many amazing moments as a group that have bonded us and to be heading into another World Cup final is an incredible achievement we are all proud of. This group has earned the right to be at this stage of the tournament. A world record crowd at Allianz Stadum is going to be special – it shows how far the women’s game has come. It’s something we’re going to relish and embrace."

Sadia Kabeya

"This World Cup has been a showcase of the growth of our game, and being part of it feels like a privilege. It has been a massive effort by everyone involved – staff and players – to get this point. We have had to earn the right to reach the final and every match has tested us in its own unique way, demanding the best from us. It’s first versus second in the world so it will be a fantastic occasion at Allianz Stadium. We can’t wait to see the thousands of white shirts, red cowboy hats and faces painted with Red Roses next week."

Megan Jones

"This World Cup has meant more than just rugby. It’s about visibility, identity and showing up fully – on and off the pitch. We’ve had to fight for every second of game time in this tournament. We’ve earned the right to be here. To run out at Allianz Stadium, knowing the stories we all carry, the communities we represent and the history we’re creating – that’s massive. That’s what makes this final week so powerful."