City aims to build on Rugby World Cup legacy

Hundreds of women and girls in Brighton & Hove are now playing rugby on a weekly basis [Bx Webb/Brighton & Hove City Council]A city is aiming to build on the legacy of the Women's Rugby World Cup, after hosting games during the 2025 competition.Brighton & Hove City Council has held rugby-themed activities, with hundreds of local women and girls now playing the sport on a weekly basis.The authority says it wants to build on the legacy created and increase female participation in the sport.

The city's Brighton & Hove Stadium hosted two sold out games in the World Cup, including the would-be champions England versus Australia, with crowds also watching on screens erected around the city centre.The authority said more than 2,600 women and girls aged 16 or over engaged with rugby activities throughout the duration of the legacy project, with support from more than 20 different clubs, community groups and local organisations.It says more than 300 women and girls are playing the sport on a regular basis.

Sessions included games of tag rugby for schools at Hove Rugby Club and a series of walking rugby events is also planned Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "Bringing events like the Women's Rugby World Cup to the city has a huge economic benefit and advertises Brighton & Hove to a worldwide audience."The legacy is not just about finding the next Jess Breach or Ellie Kildunne, it is about showing women and girls here in Brighton & Hove that sport is for them and introducing them to the huge benefits being active and part of a team or sporting community brings."Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram.

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