England’s historic Women’s Rugby World Cup victory has sparked a bold new chapter for the Red Roses and the future of women’s rugby in the country. Riding high on their win over Canada at a sold-out Twickenham—a match that became the most-watched rugby game of the year—the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has unveiled an ambitious plan to capitalise on this success and cement England as a global powerhouse in the women’s game.
The RFU is targeting more than £60 million in revenue from the England women’s rugby team over the next five years, reflecting a strategy that aims to grow the sport at both elite and grassroots levels. Central to this plan is expanding participation: the RFU hopes to register 70,000 female players nationwide on the path toward its goal of 100,000 active women players by 2027.
“England has won the World Cup – we’ve proved the model works. But the RFU is still the biggest investor in women’s rugby worldwide,” said Alex Teasdale, executive director of the women’s game. “If we don’t continue to build on this success, if the momentum falters, it’s not just a national setback — it risks slowing the growth of the women’s game globally. Our responsibility doesn’t end with the trophy; it’s about making sure this victory becomes the foundation for a stronger future for rugby everywhere.”
The RFU’s plan also emphasizes maintaining England’s dominance on the field. Officials hope the Red Roses will sustain a 90% win ratio over the next few years and secure another World Cup in 2029. Off the pitch, the governing body aims to grow the team’s fanbase to three million by 2030, making packed stadiums a regular feature across the country.
Recognizing the importance of a strong domestic league, the RFU is committed to strengthening Premiership Women’s Rugby, which Teasdale described as “at the heart of our game.” The league is seen as essential to nurturing talent and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of players capable of keeping England at the forefront of women’s rugby.
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