Building on the legacy of change
And while it’s tempting to see the Red Roses as trailblazers alone, they are also the inheritors of a legacy. During the tournament, we honoured all 267 women who have worn the Red Roses shirt with a symbolic display at the London Eye. Hearing their stories, of smaller crowds, thinner coverage, fewer opportunities, underscored how dramatically the sport has changed in just a generation. Saturday’s final confirmed it: the demand for women’s rugby has arrived.
So, what now? Winning a World Cup is one thing. Sustaining its momentum is another. The next step is clear: ensuring the next generation believes they, too, can follow in the Red Roses’ footsteps. This week’s launch of Rugby Fest, a nationwide rollout of 200 taster sessions, is designed to do just that. Each member of the championship squad will show up in person to inspire kids who may be picking up a rugby ball for the very first time.
That’s the Red Roses’ real legacy. They are world champions, yes, but also role models, and ambassadors for a sport in transformation. Their victory is about proving that women’s rugby belongs at the very centre of the global sporting conversation.
The Red Roses are on top of the world. Now it’s time to make sure they stay there.
This couldn’t be a better time for brands to step forward and take the initiative, supporting the game both at professional and grassroots levels. To the question of ‘what next?’, the answer is anything and everything.