Women’s rugby in the UK is growing — no doubt about it. More fans, more coverage, more professional contracts. But alongside the progress, there’s still a sense that parts of the women’s game are being held back by outdated thinking, limited investment, and a lack of joined-up vision. So, what’s working — and what still needs to change?
Overview
Whether you follow the Red Roses, the Women’s Super League, or both codes at once, it’s clear women’s rugby is gaining ground. England’s union team continues to dominate, clubs are signing full-time players, and crowds are on the rise.
But there are still cracks. From fixture clashes and lack of visibility to inconsistent support at the grassroots level, many fans feel the sport could — and should — be further along than it is.
We’re diving into the good, the bad, and the stubbornly unchanged in women’s rugby across the UK.
What You Need to Know
- The Red Roses are one of the most dominant teams in world rugby and will host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
- The Women’s Super League (League) and Premier 15s (Union) have grown, but still face challenges around visibility, media support, and scheduling.
- England Rugby and RFL have made positive steps with contracts, facilities, and promotion — but inconsistently across the codes.
- Club-level support varies massively, especially in women’s league.
- Grassroots growth exists, but pathways to elite level are still uneven.
Key Talking Points
What’s Working
Red Roses Setting the Standard
The England Women’s union team are the benchmark for elite-level professionalism — contracts, performance staff, facilities, the lot. They’ve built a winning culture and are attracting serious crowds at Twickenham.
Growing Club Support (Slowly)
Some union clubs, like Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens, are investing smartly in women’s rugby and starting to create genuine fanbases. In league, clubs like York Valkyrie are pushing the standards forward.
Broadcast & Media Movement
We’ve seen BBC, ITV, and Sky start to pick up more games — especially international fixtures. It’s not wall-to-wall coverage, but it’s far better than five years ago.
Rising Star Power
Players like Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, and Jodie Cunningham are becoming recognisable names outside the rugby bubble. That matters.
What Still Needs to Change
League Still Feels Undervalued
Women’s rugby league in the UK simply doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Fixtures clash with major men’s events, promo is minimal, and some clubs still treat it like an afterthought. It’s improving — but slowly.
Fixture Clashes & Poor Scheduling
Clashing domestic and international games (and even double-headers that push the women’s match to early kickoffs) show where priorities still lie. These scheduling issues keep attendance and exposure down.
Grassroots Is Still Under-Resourced
Lots of girls want to play rugby. The demand is there. But the facilities, funding, and structured pathways to elite level? Not always.
Women’s Coverage = Tokenism at Times
A single tweet or interview around International Women’s Day doesn’t cut it. The coverage should reflect the quality on show — consistently.
Where do you think women’s rugby in the UK is thriving — and where is it still being held back?
Join the chat on our socials and let us know what you’d change.
