440,000 tickets sold, 11,383 tackles made and 42,732 fans ready for the final at Twickenham. A record-breaking rugby World Cup reached its conclusion this weekend.
The tournament’s final day began with a bronze medal match between the former world champions, New Zealand and France. This match saw the Black Ferns team bus struggle to get through the crowds of fans lining the streets of Twickenham. A scene that many players could never have dreamed of when their careers started. The match ended 42 to 26 with the Black Ferns taking home the bronze medal.
Then came the final chapter in the 2025 World Cup, the hosts and tournament favourites vs the black horses of the competition. The Red Roses are on a 32-match winning streak, and sights are set on a third World Cup. Against a crowd-funded Canada, which had the opportunity to win its first-ever Rugby World Cup. Canada came out of the gates hard, scoring the first points of the final. England’s response came just three minutes later with Ellie Kildunne.
With the scoreline 8-21 at halftime, it was still all to play for. Canada once again came out hard, opening the scoring in the second half. However, the white wall of the Red Roses proved too much. Topped with a masterclass in kicking by Zoe Harrison, going four from four in conversions. England lifted the trophy for the first time since 2014.
The dominance of the Red Roses, who are now on a record-high 33-match winning streak, is only half the story of the tournament. The personal stories of just a few athletes are an inspiration to rugby fans everywhere.
USA scrum half Cassidy Bargell has fought mental and physical barriers and is still at the top of her game. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and is living with an ostomy bag.
Bianca Silva scored Brazil’s first-ever World Cup try. Whilst 18-year-old Black Fern, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, topped the try scoring table with 11 tournament tries, and was also named the breakthrough player of the year. England’s Emily Scarratt became the first woman to play in five Rugby World Cups. After suffering an injury in the pool stages, her role shifted to drinks carrier and showed what it means to be a team player, even when you can’t wear the jersey.
This tournament showcased what women’s rugby has to offer. If this summer of sporting success and broken records has taught us anything, it’s this: Everyone watches women’s sports.
Image credits: “Twickenham Stadium – May 2012 (cropped)” by Diliff is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.