New RFU action plan aims to grow women's rugby after World Cup triumph
Rugby Union - Women's World Cup 2025 - Final - Canada v England - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London, Britain - September 27, 2025 General view during a lineout Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
The Rugby Football Union unveiled a five-year action plan on Monday that aims to build on the success of the 2025 Women's World Cup, which England won on home soil last month, to grow the sport among women and girls in the country.
The action plan, called "Every Rose: Our Time," looks to grow participation in women's rugby to 100,000 active players in the country, increase revenue and help the Red Roses retain their world title in 2029, the RFU said in a statement.
"The plan sets out a clear ambition: to position England as the global leader in women's rugby, both on and off the field, while inspiring the next generation of players, fans, coaches, and match officials," the statement said.
A previous action plan, called "Every Rose", was launched in 2021 and helped increase the number of female players by 38 per cent, the RFU said, adding that funding in the women's and girls' game has tripled in the last four years.
"Women's and girls' rugby represents a massive growth opportunity in our sport and we are proud of the fact that as a union we have long recognised this and are starting to reap the reward," RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said.
