A Brief History of the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Since its first tournament in 1991, the Women’s Rugby World Cup has been a platform for extraordinary athleticism, teamwork and national pride. The competition, held every four years, has steadily grown in popularity and prestige.
The 2025 edition will be the biggest yet. It will take place in England from 22 August to 27 September and will feature 16 teams instead of 12. Matches will be hosted across eight cities including London, Sunderland, Brighton, Bristol, Exeter, Northampton, Manchester and York.
The Teams Competing in 2025
The pools have been drawn, and the line-up promises thrilling clashes.
- 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
The opening match will see England face the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. The tournament will conclude with the grand final at Twickenham Stadium, home of English rugby.
Why Care Homes Should Join the Celebration
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is more than a sporting event. For care home residents, it is a chance to share moments of joy, relive memories and feel part of an exciting worldwide occasion. With a little thought and preparation, match days can become the highlight of the week.
Transforming Match Days into Memorable Experiences
Dress the Part
Encourage residents and staff to wear team colours or scarves. Provide simple face-painting for those who enjoy it. Even small touches like wearing a rugby badge can make the day feel special.
Decorate the Space
Use flags, bunting and rugby-themed tablecloths in the lounge or activity room. Create a display board showing fixtures, scores and photos of the celebrations.
Scrumptious Sandwich Spreads
Food can make match days unforgettable. Serve sandwiches inspired by the nations playing. Examples include:
- Roast beef and horseradish for England
- Ham and cheese baguettes for France
- Tuna and cucumber for a lighter option on warm days
Add crisps, fruit and mini cakes for variety. Offer a choice of teas, juices and soft drinks.
Fun Activities Before Kick-Off
- Prediction Cards: Let residents guess the match score. Award small prizes for correct guesses.
- Rugby Quiz: Prepare a short quiz about the countries playing or famous rugby moments.
- Craft Corner: Make paper flags and banners for residents to wave during the match.
These activities create a lively build-up and give everyone a way to participate, even if they are not usually rugby fans.
Keeping Everyone Comfortable
Ensure seating is arranged so everyone has a clear view of the television. Use cushions and blankets for extra comfort. Adjust volume to a level that suits the group, and keep subtitles on for those with hearing difficulties.
Involving Families and Friends
Invite relatives to join in match-day gatherings. This can encourage more conversation and a family-like atmosphere. If possible, take group photos to share with families after the event.
Celebrating the Moments
Cheer together for every try and applaud the best plays. Keep the energy light and inclusive, so everyone feels involved whether their team is winning or not.
At the end of each match, gather for a short chat about the highlights and look ahead to the next game.
Lasting Memories Beyond the Final
Once the tournament ends, display photos, match predictions and crafts created by residents. Hold a small closing celebration with themed food and drinks, thanking residents and staff for making it such a special time.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is a wonderful chance for care homes to fill their lounges with smiles, laughter and togetherness. By combining themed food, friendly games and a welcoming atmosphere, every match can become a celebration of sport, community and joy.
From the first scrum to the final whistle, it’s about more than rugby. It’s about creating warm memories that residents will cherish long after the last sandwich has been eaten.