A Look Back at the Women’s Rugby World Cup
The Women’s Rugby World Cup began in 1991 and has grown into one of the most celebrated tournaments in women’s sport. Held every four years, it has given fans unforgettable matches, emotional victories and moments of pure sporting excellence.
England has hosted the event before, but the 2025 edition will be bigger than ever. This will be the 10th Women’s Rugby World Cup and the first to feature 16 teams instead of 12. It will run from 22 August to 27 September 2025 and will be played across eight host cities including London, Sunderland, Bristol, Exeter, Northampton, Manchester, Brighton and York.
Teams Taking Part in 2025
The tournament pools have been drawn and the teams are ready to compete for glory.
- Pool A: England, Australia, USA, Samoa
- Pool B: Canada, Scotland, Wales, Fiji
- Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Japan, Spain
- Pool D: France, Italy, South Africa, Brazil
England will open the tournament against the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The final will be held at Twickenham Stadium, one of the most famous rugby venues in the world.
Why Care Homes Should Get Involved
Sport has a unique way of bringing people together. For care home residents, events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup are more than just games on a screen. They are opportunities to share laughter, spark memories and feel part of something happening on a global stage.
With a little planning, care home owners can turn the tournament into a series of joyful occasions for residents.
Creating the Atmosphere
Transform your lounge or communal area into a mini rugby stadium. Use team flags, bunting, and colourful posters to bring the space to life. Choose comfortable seating so every resident has a good view of the television. Adjust lighting to reduce glare and make sure the volume is at a clear, comfortable level.
Add a large wall calendar or fixture list so residents can see upcoming matches and mark their favourites. This can build excitement and give them something to look forward to each week.
Match-Day Treats
Food and drink can make the experience even more enjoyable. Prepare match-day snacks inspired by the countries playing. For example:
- Tea and scones for England matches
- Mini meat pies for Australia
- Fresh fruit platters for tropical nations like Fiji or Samoa
Offer both savoury and sweet options alongside a selection of hot and cold drinks. Consider a “half-time tea service” where residents can enjoy a warm cuppa while discussing the match so far.
Themed Activities
In the days before a match, host themed craft sessions where residents can make flags, banners or rosettes for their favourite teams. Invite them to guess match scores in a light-hearted prediction game with small prizes like chocolates or biscuits.
You could also arrange short, seated rugby-inspired exercises before kick-off. These could be simple ball-passing games to get everyone moving and smiling.
Storytelling and Memories
Rugby can open the door to personal memories. Some residents may have played the sport themselves or have family who did. Others may recall famous sporting moments from their younger years. Create time before or after matches for residents to share these stories.
Invite relatives to join match days so conversations can continue into visiting hours.
Engaging the Staff
The enthusiasm of care home staff can lift the whole experience. Encourage them to wear team colours, face paint or rugby shirts on match days. A cheerful, interactive atmosphere can make residents feel even more included.
You could even organise a friendly “staff vs residents” quiz about rugby history or the countries taking part.
Making It Accessible for All
Not all residents will follow the sport closely. Provide simple printed guides with basic rules and facts about each team so everyone can feel involved. Subtitles on the television can help those with hearing difficulties.
Offer quieter seating areas nearby for residents who want to enjoy the company without too much noise.
Extending the Celebration
Don’t let the fun stop at the final whistle. Share photos of the events in newsletters or on a notice board. Celebrate residents’ contributions such as handmade decorations or winning predictions.
You could even host a small awards ceremony at the end of the tournament to thank everyone for taking part and keeping the spirit of rugby alive in your care home.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is not only a showcase of skill and dedication. It is also a chance for care homes to create joyful, shared experiences for their residents. With a bit of creativity, the tournament can become a month-long celebration filled with colour, conversation and community spirit.
By making the matches accessible, fun and interactive, care home owners can help residents feel the thrill of every try, tackle and triumph.
