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, meeting the expectations of many, won their third title at Twickenham, before a crowd of almost 82,000 fans, setting a record for a women’s 15-a-side rugby match. It was a memorable day 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. Here’s a look at the future of women’s rugby and what awaits the victorious “Red Roses”.Are England the dominant force in the sport?

We’ve seen remarkable dynasties 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 numbers: They have only one loss in their last 63 matches, which was the final in 2022.

Tom Hamilton

Since then, they have maintained an impressive streak of invincibility and now back it up with the conquest of the biggest prize in the sport. Currently, the Red Roses are, by far, the most dominant force in rugby union. Absolutely. By the numbers, they are up there with some of the best teams of the modern era. The Black Ferns, who have won six Women’s World Cups, can also be included. In terms of the difference between them and the chasing group, the Red Roses are far ahead and are among the best we have seen. Rival nations are still developing, with some players still amateur or semi-professional, but if you are the Red Roses, you can only beat what you have in front of you. The way they managed expectations this year was also notable.

What will we remember from the tournament?

The crowds, the noise, the fanatics. It was their tournament.

Tom Hamilton

The atmosphere in the stadiums was incredible. The moment England finally overcame the ghosts of 2022 was incredible. Also, being at Megan Jones’ pre-final press conference was truly moving. She is an incredible person.

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, engaging the opposition in singing and dancing after each match and giving us many great moments.

James Regan

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

Where does this leave women’s rugby?

In a great place, but also at an interesting point. It has demonstrated the potential of the sport and what can be achieved if a country takes the tournament seriously. The acceptance was brilliant and has set the benchmark. Now it needs large-scale investment to ensure that a rising tide lifts all boats. It’s no secret that England is the best-funded team in the tournament and they delivered from that, but other teams now need to catch up.

Tom Hamilton

This requires commercial support, more frequent competitive matches, and investment from the grassroots. The PWR is the best competition in the world, but it’s not enough. The British & Irish Lions tour is expected to keep the sport in the consciousness of casual fans, while it remains to be seen what will happen with R360. But, essentially, now is the time to build.

Learn lessons from women’s soccer and keep the interest high.

As good as this moment is for both England and women’s rugby, it’s very important that the work doesn’t stop. It also depends on the fans to vote with their feet, but officials must make it as accessible as possible for them. It’s also time for unions to make decisions. Invest in women’s programs and reap the rewards like the Red Roses and the RFU or be left behind.

James Regan

This is, as expected, a pivotal moment for the game, but it needs follow-up. The home 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 will happen in 2029?

It’s hard to see anything other than another Red Roses victory. The age profile, aside from a couple of their wonderful senior servers, suits most of these players being there or thereabouts in four years, while they have the infrastructure to sustain another World Cup charge.

Tom Hamilton

Other nations are expected to join them. Canada did amazingly well considering the budget of its federation, but with more investment, they will thrive. The Black Ferns will be fine again, with the scariest thing being that Jorja Miller and Braxton Sorensen-McGee will only get better.

While Australia will seek to triumph as hosts and France and others will continue to advance. Please, no more contractual scandals like the ones we had with Wales and Scotland. But, in general, the World Cup is expected to be even bigger in Australia and interest will continue to grow in the next four years. But right now, the Red Roses are the favorites.

There is no doubt that the 2025 tournament was a success because England was successful. Winning the tournament was the icing on the cake, but it came after years of building and winning.

James Regan

The pressure now falls on Rugby Australia to realize how significant their role is on and off the field in four years. They desperately need to gain 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. In the field, it won’t be long before they set their sights on winning again. With the way things are at the moment, I wouldn’t bet against it.