Hosting the prestigious Women’s Rugby World Cup last summer has left a lasting legacy for the city – from ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities for residents, to a huge £28.5 million boost for the local economy.
The tournament saw two thrilling matches played at Brighton & Hove Community Stadium, as the city welcomed teams from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and England’s Red Roses.
Reports released this week from World Rugby have revealed how the most successful Women’s Rugby World Cup in history has delivered tangible benefits to local communities, alongside targeted development programmes around the world.
Brighton & Hove was chosen as one of eight host cities for the tournament following a joint bid by the council and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Impact Report reveals that host cities enjoyed a total £294.7 million economic impact from the tournament – this includes £28.5 million for Brighton & Hove.
Welcoming the report, Council Leader Bella Sankey said: “Hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Brighton & Hove was a massive honour for our city.
"And now we can see what a boost it gave our economy too – £28.5 million invested into the city over the course of the tournament, giving a boost to restaurants, shops, hotels and all those working in our valued hospitality sector.
“Hosting a major sports tournament brings huge responsibility, and I’m delighted that this new report illustrates a very healthy return on our investment, with businesses across the city seeing a significant upturn in trade.
“This includes hoteliers in the region enjoying a £5.4 million economic boost as they welcomed supporters from across the country and further afield.”
Tickets sold out quickly for the two matches played at Brighton & Hove Community Stadium – with 62% purchased by local residents.
“We are passionate about providing opportunities for our residents to see world class events on their doorstep and inspire our residents to get active, and we worked hard to promote the event locally,” said Councillor Sankey.
“So were particularly pleased to see that 62% tickets were bought by local people and that the crowds included fans of all ages and many families. Our new Sport Lifts Her Higher campaign will build on this success as we strive to become the UK capital for women and girls in sport.”
The World Rugby report has also gathered feedback from visitors, with 61.2% agreeing that Brighton & Hove is great host for major international sport, enhancing the city’s growing reputation as a world class sporting venue.
Councillor Sankey added: “This is great news as we are hoping to be selected as one of 16 host cities for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035,”
Those without match tickets were able to watch the matches for free in the city centre Fan Zone.
Organised by the council, the Fan Zone delivered a four-day programme of entertainment, welcoming around 6,000 visitors, including local school children and rugby clubs from around the southeast region, as well as the Minister for Sport & Tourism Stephanie Peacock MP.
The tournament also provided opportunities to work with city partners, including Brighton BID, Brighton Railway station, street artists the Postman, the i360 and Brighton Chamber.
During the build-up to the tournament, Hangleton and Benfield schools chose the emblems of the four nations playing matches in Brighton for their Children’s Parade entry in the Brighton Festival – and went on to meet players from the Australian and England teams at the Fan Zone.
Councillor Sankey said: “We took the opportunity to showcase our newest city park – Hove Beach Park by organising a community engagement event for Ireland team players at the new Yellowave beach sports venue.”
“We even renamed our beach Brighton Breach to celebrate Red Rose Jess Breach who grew up in Chichester and trained locally!”
Council officers also worked closely with the RFU, Sussex Cricket, the city’s universities, Brighton and Hove rugby clubs and other regional rugby clubs to engage new audiences and promote and celebrate the tournament.
The council’s Healthy Lifestyles team received ‘Strive 25’ funding from the RFU to deliver events for local women and girls to try out rugby, organising school and T1 non-contact rugby events. More than 2,000 women and girls’ have taken part in rugby activities throughout the year.
The council and local clubs are continuing to build on this success, as interest in women’s rugby continues to soar.
World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson, said: “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 was a phenomenal celebration of our sport. The impact reports show just how transformative it was, for players, for fans, for communities, for the host cities across England and for our global rugby ecosystem.
“What makes me most proud is how the tournament changed perceptions of women’s rugby. It inspired new audiences, set new benchmarks for excellence, and proved what our game can deliver when we invest boldly in women’s sport.
"This was a defining moment, and its legacy will shape rugby for generations.”
Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport UK Government, added: "We set out to make Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 the biggest ever and as a nation we delivered.
"It’s incredible to see the groundbreaking impact the tournament had in communities all over England – and will continue to have long into the future.
“From unprecedented attendances and viewing figures, to once again showcasing the huge commercial potential of women’s sport, this Rugby World Cup fundamentally changed the way that women’s rugby is perceived and will leave a lasting legacy for generations.”
