Salford Mayor Paul Dennett celebrated the decision to host the “fantastic” Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and said the city “proved it could deliver world-class events.”
Over two weekends in August, 20,000 fans filled the Salford Community Stadium to watch four matches played by Australia, Samoa, Wales, Canada and Fiji.
Away from the on-the-pitch action, a campaign was introduced to ensure Salfordians felt the positive impact of being a host city for an elite international tournament.
500 free tickets were distributed to young people, families and organisations across the City to introduce Rugby Union to new audiences.
In addition, a girls’ community rugby festival allowed dozens of young girls in Salford to play the sport for the first time.
Scotland and Wales international players, who played each other in pool B at the Salford Community Stadium, paid a visit to Eccles RFC for a mental health talk and helped out at youth training sessions.
Dennett highlighted that the tournament has “inspired a new generation of young women and girls to play the sport.” The involvement of Scotland and Wales players at Eccles RFC is testament to the way the World Cup stretched beyond the pitch and impacted communities across the city.
Also, one of only three national murals unveiled at Salford Quays Watersports Centre, celebrating Red Rose Morwenna Talling alongside young local player Orla.
In the aftermath of England’s iconic World Cup final victory, which Salford Red Devils coach Marcell Lock called “inspirational,” a trophy tour stopped in Eccles and Salford Quays to give residents a chance to celebrate with the iconic prize.
“Hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup has been a huge moment of pride for Salford,” said Mr Dennett.
“We welcomed fans from across the world to our city, delivered a fantastic tournament experience, and inspired a new generation of players, especially young women and girls who tried rugby for the first time this summer.
Salford’s Labour Mayor paid tribute to the people who “made the event possible.
“I want to thank everyone who made this possible, from our council teams to volunteers, partners, and local clubs. Salford has once again shown it is a city capable of delivering world-class events,” he said.
“Over the past 18 months, partners across Salford City Council, Salford Community Leisure, local rugby clubs, the RFU, England Rugby and the Rugby World Cup 2025 organisers worked together to bring the tournament to life in Salford,” a council spokesperson explained.
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure, added: “This tournament has been about so much more than sport. It has been about community pride, inclusivity, and giving young people the chance to see what’s possible.
“From murals and fan zones to grassroots rugby festivals, Salford has celebrated women’s sport in all its forms. It’s been an inspiring and historic few weeks for our city.
“Salford now looks forward to building on the legacy of the tournament, strengthening its reputation as a host for international events, supporting grassroots rugby, and ensuring that women and girls continue to have opportunities to thrive in sport.”
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