"Sometimes it is about more than just a shiny trophy. Yes, the Red Roses are now the champions of the world and deservedly so. Yes, they have claimed the elusive glittering prize for the first time since 2014. But in all sorts of ways the past month will go down in history for something even more important: the coming of age of women's rugby union as a mass spectator attraction in a summer of female sporting empowerment like no other."
"Winning helps, of course it does, but so does relatability, connection and shared enjoyment. The Red Roses put smiles on a lot of faces not least because they radiated so much joy themselves. In the process they altered how rugby more widely is perceived and, just as importantly, how it perceives itself. In the past Twickenham on big rugby days has been a whiter shade of male. Not any more."
"From now on it will be significantly harder to lob the usual tired old jibes at rugby union: that it's a posh boys sport or a game for hooligans played by gentlemen. Now, self evidently, it is for absolutely everyone of any size or shape. Rugby belongs equally to men and women. All of which reflects brilliantly on those who have sought to level up the traditionally uneven playing field. Not only the heroines of 2025 and their coaches and back-room staff but all those who came before."
The Red Roses won the World Cup, their first since 2014, and became world champions. The recent month signalled the coming of age of women's rugby union as a mass spectator attraction amid a summer of female sporting empowerment. Relatability, connection and shared enjoyment complemented victory to broaden appeal and inspire young people to emulate stars like Ellie Kildunne and Meg Jones. The team's joy changed how rugby is perceived and how it perceives itself, challenging stereotypes of rugby as a posh boys' game or a hooligan pursuit. Commemorations like 267 roses at the London Eye celebrate progress since 1994.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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