Three years ago, the England Women’s National Rugby Team, also known as the Red Roses, fell heartbreakingly short of victory in the World Cup final against New Zealand’s Black Ferns. Instead of sulking or falling from their pedestal, the Red Roses have spent the years since building themselves up to be an unstoppable sporting giant, ahead of taking the trophy home at this autumn’s home World Cup. Across the country, they sparked excitement throughout the tournament, helping attract record-breaking crowds from minute one, with 42,723 fans in attendance as the Red Roses demolished the USA in the opening match at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, a Women’s Rugby World Cup record, but not one that would last long.
September’s final drew 81,885 people to Twickenham (including my dad, my sister, and myself), an increase of nearly 70,000 from the 2010 World Cup final. 5.8 million viewers also tuned in on television, making it the most-watched rugby match of the year. The atmosphere on the day made it not only one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, but also one of the most exciting and enjoyable I have ever personally experienced. Both the bronze final and the final itself attracted fantastic crowds, cheering on both sides throughout, creating a brilliant, friendly atmosphere.
This engaging sporting atmosphere arrived in Brighton at the start of September, with two Pool matches held at the American Express Stadium, next to the University of Sussex. The City was lucky enough to host both world champions, the Black Ferns, and home heroes, the Red Roses, only adding to the electric feeling over the weekend as the matches played out. On Saturday the seventh, England faced Australia in front of a sell-out crowd, dismantling the Wallaroos 47-7 to secure themselves top spot in Pool A. The scoreline and dominance on the pitch were something the Red Roses replicated in each of their five other matches across the tournament, with them scoring at least five tries against each of their opponents.
The second match of the weekend was between New Zealand and Ireland to decide the top spot in Pool C. As an Ireland supporter living in Brighton, it would have been wrong of me not to attend, and I even managed to drag a friend along with me! Despite the 40-0 scoreline being less than ideal from my perspective, getting to witness such high-class rugby in person, and significantly in Brighton, was fantastic. The dominance of the Black Ferns was mind-boggling to see in person, but for me, watching an Ireland women’s side that has come so far in the last three years compete on the World Cup stage was my highlight of the tournament.
The competition coming to Brighton was a massive deal for women’s rugby, women’s sport in general, and the overall popularity of the game in the city. Brighton fails to be a city known for its rugby, either as a sport to play or to spectate, with the nearest rugby club to the University all the way out in Hove. However, with there now clear evidence of a supporter base within the city, it should definitely be said that more rugby opportunities should be coming to the Brighton seaside. One can hope that the success of two World Cup matches held here will lead to more women joining local rugby teams, including the University’s team.
The same can be said for other women’s sports across Brighton, with the World Cup being the second women’s sporting competition to have matches held at the American Express Stadium in the last four years, after the Women’s European Championships in 2022. This continued support for women’s sporting events in Brighton should only boost the popularity of women’s sport in the city and will hopefully lead to the continuation of the golden era we are seeing in women’s rugby and football.
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