Women's Rugby World Cup trophy comes to Brighton

Stuart Maisner
BBC News, South East
Sam Dixon-French
BBC News, Brighton
Sam Dixon-French/BBC The Women's Rugby World Cup trophy at the top of Brighton i360Sam Dixon-French/BBC
The Women's Rugby World Cup will be held in England later in the year

The Women's Rugby World Cup trophy has arrived in Brighton as part of an England-wide tour of all eight host cities ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in August.

It is on display at Brighton i360, the second leg of the tour, until Monday.

Each stop "gives fans communities and grassroots rugby clubs the chance to join the celebrations and share in the excitement and build-up to the biggest Women's Rugby World Cup ever", a competition spokesperson said.

Former England player Shaunagh Brown, speaking at Saturday's event, said: "Bringing rugby to the people is a huge part of what we're doing."

The trophy's tour lasts three weeks in May and June and takes in London, Brighton, Exeter, Bristol, Northampton, Manchester, York and Sunderland.

Brown, who played in the last final for England four years ago, said: "We were very disappointed not to have won, but didn't realise until we got home the impact we had and how big women's rugby actually was.

"This world cup is going to be so special being at home in England.

"All of the players will be so immersed in it."

Sam Dixon-French/BBC Ex England rugby international Shaunagh Brown with the world cup trophy at the top of Brighton i360 with a view of Brighton behindSam Dixon-French/BBC
Ex England international Shaunagh Brown visited the trophy in Brighton

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 managing director, Sarah Massey, said: "It promises to be a landmark tournament for the sport and the trophy tour to our host locations provides a brilliant opportunity to ignite excitement across England.

"We look forward to celebrating with fans and encouraging even more people to be a part of this unforgettable tournament."

The tournament takes place from 22 August to 27 September.

Two matches take place at Falmer Stadium near Brighton - England v Australia on 6 September and New Zealand v Ireland on 7 September.

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