How Women’s Premiership Rugby Can Kick On From the World Cup and Grow Its Fan Base
Hands up who’s been watching the Women’s World Cup. Me! It’s been a treat to see some of the adventurous and skillful rugby on display and some big crowds even for games featuring the minnows of the game. Women’s rugby is enjoying a defining moment. Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) now has a golden opportunity to cement its place in the sporting landscape. The question now is: how does women’s rugby build on this momentum and truly grow its fan base?
I’ve been reading the ambitious fan engagement strategy for PWR’s 2025/26 prepared by Fanfare Sport. It’s well worth a read if you care about the growth of women’s sport. It recognises that the growth of women’s rugby isn’t just about what happens on the pitch but also about how the league connects with people off it.
Listening First
A key pillar of the strategy is to listen to fans. Post-match surveys, feedback forums, and digital engagement don’t have to be token gestures – they’re tools for proper change. Fans are asked what matters most, from the matchday experience to broadcast quality and content creation. This two-way dialogue ensures the evolution of women’s rugby reflects the needs of its most important stakeholders: its community.
Collaborating Across the Game
PWR is also set on collaborating with clubs, making sure the fan experience is consistent across the league. That means everything from ticketing to social media will be developed with a joined-up approach, showcasing best practices and celebrating what makes women’s rugby unique.
Showcasing Diversity and Energy
The data tells an exciting story: over 50% of PWR’s fans are women, more than half are under 35, and digital reach continues to soar with over 25 million accounts engaged across Meta and TikTok last season. By highlighting the diversity, passion, and creativity of its fans, women’s rugby can differentiate itself from other sports and capture the imagination of new audiences.
Building the Future Together
With attendance rising year on year and YouTube impressions in the millions, there’s undeniable momentum. The challenge now is to sustain and grow it. By acting on feedback, embracing innovation in broadcasting and digital content, and continuing to showcase the incredible stories of its players and fans, PWR has the roadmap to make women’s rugby one of the fastest-growing sports communities in the UK and beyond.
Big events like The World Cup may spark the flame, but it’s this fan-first approach that will keep women’s rugby burning bright.