Women's rugby in England sees increasing commercial success

Women’s rugby in England is experiencing rapid growth and increased popularity. This was highlighted when Gloucester-Hartpury won their third Premiership Women’s Rugby Championship on March 16, defeating Saracens 31-19. The sport is drawing more attention and larger crowds, demonstrated by Harlequins breaking the world record for attendance at a women’s rugby game with 18,055 fans. Ticket sales for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in August have also set new records. Increasing commercial interest is boosting the sport, as brands like Clinique start sponsoring women’s rugby events. Some clubs are actively seeking significant sponsorships to fuel their growth. For example, the Leicester Tigers’ women’s team is looking for a principal partner to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds. Broadcasting interest is on the rise as well. A multi-year deal with TNT Sports will show live matches of Premiership Women's Rugby, and the BBC will broadcast key games, including the 2025 Women’s Six Nations tournament. These developments mean women’s rugby is gaining more media coverage and fan engagement ahead of the World Cup. Though there are still challenges ahead, the sport has an influential ambassador in Ilona Maher. With 3.5 million TikTok followers, she has brought significant attention to rugby. After performing well in the Olympics and on a popular TV show, she joined the Bristol Bears, helping the team double their attendance record on her debut weekend. As interest continues to grow in the league, the World Cup this summer is expected to attract new audiences and provide an exciting showcase for women’s rugby. If the current momentum continues, the future looks bright for the sport in England.