World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont predicts Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 in Ireland will set new standards on and off the field and inspire a new generation of girls and boys to get into rugby.
With less than a week to go until the showcase event kicks off in Dublin, the stage is set for what promises to be the most competitive, best attended, most watched and most socially engaged women’s rugby event to date, and a highlight of the year’s international sporting calendar.
“These are exciting times for rugby with record fan and registered player growth. There are more than double the number of players than there were in 2010 and women and girls have been leading the charge on and off the field.
“With just six days to go, the excitement across the island of Ireland and beyond is phenomenal. The sheer level of social and traditional media anticipation and interest is reflected by the fact tickets for the pool stages are sold out. It all points to what will be a defining, record-breaking Rugby World Cup.
“We are anticipating a competitive, exciting tournament, contested by outstanding players and I am sure that all who experience Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 in-stadia, at home and on the move will be talking about an outstanding event.”
These are exciting times for the profile and the development of the women’s game, with Ireland 2017 attracting a record commercial and broadcast portfolio and World Rugby running a number of activities to support the development of the ambitious Women’s Rugby Plan.
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Beaumont added: “This is a tournament that will have players and fans at heart. Its legacy is set to reach beyond the profile it attracts or economic impact it delivers. That legacy will be real, meaningful and tangible for the wider development of the sport through its pillars of performance, participation, leadership, profile and investment.”
The tournament has received the full and active support of the respective Irish and Northern Irish governments, while no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of providing the best-possible environment for the teams, who have all received a typically warm Irish welcome.
Beaumont said: “I would like to thank our friends at the IRFU and all who have been involved the organisation of Women’s Rugby World Cup for their dedication and passion to deliver what I am sure will be remembered as a very special event.”
The action begins in Dublin on 9 August and fans can follow all the action via @worldrugby channels and on the official Women’s Rugby World Cup website at www.rwcwomens.com.
Report courtesy of World Rugby
