England Women’s Rugby World Champions: Analysis and Future of the Sport

England Crowned at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup has come to an end. England met expectations, securing their third title at Twickenham in front of almost 82,000 fans, setting a record for a women’s rugby XV match. The day was memorable both on and off the field. Canada, which partly funded its participation in the tournament through crowdfunding, managed to reach the final, which was already a triumph in itself.

What’s Next for Women’s Rugby?

After the conclusion of the tournament, important questions arise about the future of women’s rugby and the path forward for the “Red Roses”, the champions. Are England the dominant force in this sport?

We’ve seen some dominant runs in the past. The Black Ferns won six of the last eight Women’s Rugby World Cups, so they know a thing or two about how to get the job done, but what’s remarkable about this team are the basic figures: they have only one loss in their last 63 matches, and that was in the 2022 final.

Tom Hamilton

Since then, they have maintained an astonishing unbeaten run and now back it up with victory in the sport’s biggest prize. Right now, the Red Roses are, by far, the most dominant force in rugby union. In terms of the difference between them and the chasing group, the Red Roses are far ahead and up to par with the best we’ve seen. Rival nations are still developing, with some players still amateurs or semi-professionals, but if you are the Red Roses, you can only beat what’s in front of you.

The way they managed expectations this year was also notable.

Memorable Tournament Moments

The fans and the atmosphere were fundamental. The noise that England received when facing the United States in Sunderland was unforgettable.

The inspiring stories behind Samoa’s campaign should endure in memory. Players and staff took time off from their full-time jobs to represent their country, knowing they would likely suffer some difficult results. But it didn’t matter. They lit up the tournament, involving the opposition in singing and dancing after each match and giving us many great moments.

In the field, the 31-31 tie between Australia and the United States was excellent. Both teams fought for 80 minutes knowing that a place in the final was at stake.

The Future of Women’s Rugby

The tournament has demonstrated the potential of the sport and what can be achieved if a country takes the tournament seriously. Large-scale investment is needed to ensure that a rising tide lifts all boats. England is the best-funded team and now other teams need to catch up. This requires commercial support, more frequent competitive matches, and investment from the grassroots.

It is essential that the work does not stop. Fans must vote with their feet, but officials must make it as accessible as possible for them. It is also time to make decisions for the unions. Invest in women’s programs and reap the rewards like the Red Roses and the RFU, or fall behind. The host nations, as well as New Zealand and Australia, nations with existing infrastructure and a base beneath their women’s teams, run the risk of the gap between them and England widening if they do not invest in national programs and their respective competitions.

What to Expect in 2029?

It’s hard to imagine anything other than a Red Roses victory again. The age profile suits most of these players being there or thereabouts in four years, while they have the infrastructure to sustain another World Cup charge.

Australia will seek to host and France and others will continue. The pressure is now on Rugby Australia to realize how significant their role is on and off the field in four years. They desperately need to get the support of the Australian public and that comes from winning. They also need as many home test matches as possible and to build their fanbase.