World Rugby has released its first progress report on the Impact Beyond 2025 Plan, launched in October 2024. This initiative aims to harness the momentum of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 to drive long-term growth and development in women’s rugby globally.
Strengthening Women’s Rugby Worldwide
The report highlights key initiatives to increase participation, improve pathways for female athletes and expand women’s rugby visibility. By tracking progress, World Rugby ensures that growth is not just a goal but an ongoing measurable reality.
The Impact Beyond 2025 Report
The first Impact Beyond 2025 progress report is significant because it provides a tangible measure of World Rugby’s commitment to the long-term growth and sustainability of women’s rugby. The Impact Beyond 2025 Plan focuses on three core themes:
- Profile and Participation: Enhancing the visibility of women’s rugby and increasing grassroots involvement.
- Careers and Gender Equity: Creating pathways for women in rugby-related careers and promoting gender balance within the sport.
- Capability and Expertise: Building capacity within rugby organizations to support women’s rugby development.
Key Achievements
Two key achievements highlighted in the progress report include:
- Regional Summits: Impact Beyond 2025 Regional Summits have united unions, sparking collaboration and driving the future of women’s and girls’ rugby across every region.
- Program Development: Tailored programs have been developed to create impactful initiatives for women and girls, building on lessons learned from previous World Rugby initiatives.
Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby
Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby, stated, “Through the Impact Beyond 2025 Plan, we are delivering real change, developing the next generation of sports and community leaders, creating new coaching pathways, and growing grassroots participation. This report marks an important step in our journey, ensuring transparency and accountability as we work towards our long-term goals.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled in England from August 22, 2025, through September 27, 2025. The opening weekend will feature England vs. USA and New Zealand vs. Spain.
Ensuring a Lasting Legacy Beyond the 2025 World Cup
Rather than treating the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 as a one-time event, this initiative ensures that the momentum continues well beyond the tournament, embedding long-term structural changes that benefit women’s rugby for generations.
In short, this first progress report is a crucial step in turning vision into action, proving that World Rugby’s commitment to the women’s game is more than just words—it is a movement shaping the future of the sport.
