On Monday, December 11 it was announced that the Stadium of Light in Sunderland will host the opening game at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The announcement hosted some star-studded players including Tamara Taylor who has an impressive 115 caps for her country. Taylor went on to represent the Red Roses at three World Cups where they saw victory over Canada in 2014 and took the winning title.
Taylor was also joined by ex-teammate and Red Roses most capped player Sarah Hunter, who started her Rugby Union journey at Novocastrians RFC and went on to be one of the most decorated Women’s Rugby players to date.
Hunter’s final game for her country was played very close to home at Newcastle Falcons’ home ground, Kingston Park Stadium, where England achieved a big win over Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations opening match.
Local Girls team from Houghton Rugby Club had the incredible opportunity to be coached by both Tamara and Sarah at the Stadium of Light, with Newcastle Rugby Foundation coaches also assisting in delivering the session and joining in with games and activities.
Zoe Hornby, Falcons Community Development Officer said: “The Women’s Rugby Union World Cup 2025 will have such a positive impact on so many young players and follow on from the success of the Red Roses in the last World Cup.
“For us North East-based rugby enthusiasts it’s an exciting and memorable event having the opening game held at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.
“Having role models like Sarah Hunter, Marlie Packer and so many more will only help grow the game and continue to inspire the younger generations.”
For more information about girls and women’s rugby and the programmes we offer please email falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk.
