Around 160 pupils recently took part in the Schools Festival of Rugby at Sandy Park ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in Exeter. The event was designed to encourage girls to participate in the sport ahead of the tournament.
Around 160 pupils recently took part in the Schools Festival of Rugby at Sandy Park ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in Exeter.
The event was designed to encourage girls to participate in the sport ahead of the tournament, which includes matches at the home of Exeter Chiefs in August and September.
The city is also supporting the RFU’s initiative to get 100,000 registered female players nationwide by 2027 as part of the Impact ’25 programme.
A key vehicle for this initiative is T1 Rugby, a non-contact form of the game which aims to accelerate the accessibility of rugby for women and girls and help grow the sport.
As part of Impact ’25, and alongside local partners Exeter Chiefs and England Rugby, the City Council developed a school programme, offering T1 Rugby across primary schools in the city to aid the transition to secondary school.
It culminated in the opportunity to play at the Chiefs’ iconic Sandy Park stadium, as well as meet Exeter Chiefs Women’s players and England Rugby professional referee Sara Cox, who is from Exeter.
Sara said: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup is going to be massive and I’m so excited about it.
“For games to be played here and for the opportunities that there are for people to be involved, it’s great. There were men’s Rugby World Cup games played here a long time ago, but for there to be a Women’s Rugby World Cup here, and for there to be the same buzz, is just phenomenal.
“Being from Exeter, it’s wonderful for me because I love this city. It’s great for me – my family want to come and watch and my whole life has been based here. If I can show everyone around me in the rugby community that this is my home and this is their home as well, then that is great.”
Sara added: “Rugby brings a huge community spirit with it. It’s not just about what happens on the pitch – it’s also what happens off the pitch.
“My message to anyone wanting to get involved in rugby is go to your local club. There are lots of ways to be involved – it’s not all about playing, it’s about being involved in your local club, doing things behind the scenes and allowing these clubs to thrive.”
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, said: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be a great showcase for the city and for the sport.
“There has been a lot of engagement across the city already, as the Schools Festival of Rugby has shown.
“The benefits for the city go well beyond the games at Sandy Park. When the tournament has finished, participation in sport will carry on.
“This event for young players shows what can be gained from physical activity, and what can be gained from team sports. It brings so much to your life if you are active – both physical health and mental health, and social skills as well.
“What we have seen today is an opportunity for these young players to gain confidence, to keep fit and to stay engaged in sport – that is the key legacy from the Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
Man in His 20s Arrested After Suspected Stabbing in Exeter
More homes set to get food waste collections as service expands
APPEAL | Assault, Ottery St Mary
Councillor Eileen Wragg refuses to back record of major controversial East Devon housing plan
Cranbrook Celebrates New Outdoor Gym with Community Fitness Campaign and International Competition
Nightingale Hospital’s Buttercup Unit celebrates one year of changing lives
APPEAL | Devon & Cornwall Police are appealing for witness and information following a fatal road traffic collision near Kennford.
ACED Volunteer of the Year 2025 is announced
