TSHWANE: The anticipatory wave reached its peak as Cricket South Africa (CSA) rolled out the remarkable Professional Domestic Women's League. In an unprecedented moment, women's cricket luminaries converged at Freedom Park in Tshwane, transforming the day into a canvas adorned with shades of accomplishment and potential.

This monumental step follows the triumphant saga authored by Proteas Women. Their towering achievements in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of New Zealand's landscapes, and the captivating ICC T20 Women's World Cup 2023 on native soil, ignited a fervor for excellence. The Proteas Women's journey to the semi-finals and finals, respectively, branded them as 'History Makers,' etching their legacy as the first senior national cricket team to grace an ICC World Cup final.

South Africa's cricket panorama extended to embrace the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in January 2023. An enthralling expedition unfolded as the SA U19 team embarked on an exhilarating odyssey, coming agonizingly close to the semi-finals after a gripping super 6 stage.

Infused with the essence of local prowess, the Professional Domestic Women's League pulses with vitality. It stands as a testament to CSA's unwavering dedication to shaping the sport's destiny. A collaborative endeavor with the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) yielded a R15 million investment over three years, bolstering the league's structural foundations and infusing life into its developmental aspirations.

This monumental league comprises two radiant jewels: the CSA Women's One Day Cup and the CSA Women's T20 Challenge. The symphony of transformation resonates, as these radiant beams seek to reframe perceptions, draping women's cricket in the regalia of celebration and honor.

A spectacular transformation awaits the women's cricket landscape. The rhythm of change elevates the permanent contracts within the 'Top Six' Division 1 from six to an elevated eleven players per team. The coaching terrain undergoes a profound makeover, featuring an enhanced ensemble led by a head coach and an assistant coach, poised as guides of mentorship. The symphony extends to the realm of physical well-being, with a centralized system welcoming physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches, nurturing the well-being of each team.

The first division resonates with heightened fervor, with champions DP World Lions and Six Gun Grill Western Province, alongside Fidelity Titans, Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers, and the newcomer Free State, embarking on an unforgettable campaign. CSA, the virtuoso behind this symphony of progress, offers a collective pool of prize money, a testament to the league's unwavering mission to elevate and empower.

Pholetsi Moseki, CSA's CEO, radiated jubilation, saying, "The unveiling of the Professional Women's Cricket League is a radiant homage to the awe-inspiring feats of our national women's cricket team, illuminating a pathway to a brighter tomorrow."

Moseki's fervent voice echoes, "The dawn of professionalization in the women's domestic framework seeks to elevate the women's cricket realm, a stage where local talents dazzle, and excellence births legacies."

Glistening with triumph, Moseki asserts, "Amidst South African cricket's resplendent global achievements, this league becomes a stepping stone for emerging talent. It nurtures growth, resilience, and an everlasting ardor for the sport."

"Enthusiasm reverberates from fans, players, and supporters—a collective crescendo heralding a new era. To brands championing women's cricket, we extend a call to unite in support. Together, let's herald a radiant narrative, redefining women's sporting prowess in our nation," Moseki concluded—a visionary crescendo echoing through the fabric of time.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

A crescendo of anticipation reached its zenith as Cricket South Africa (CSA) unfurled the illustrious Professional Domestic Women's League. In a moment of unparalleled significance, luminaries of women's cricket congregated amidst the splendor of Freedom Park in Tshwane on Tuesday, painting the day with vibrant hues of achievement and promise.

This epochal genesis emerges as a resplendent sequel to the resounding triumphs scripted by the Proteas Women. Their soaring success in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022, hosted in the ethereal landscapes of New Zealand, and the splendid spectacle of the ICC T20 Women's World Cup 2023, unfurled on home soil, ignited the flames of excellence. The Proteas Women's ascent to the semi-finals and finals of these tournaments, respectively, earned them the laurel of 'History Makers', etching their name as the first senior national cricket team to grace an ICC World Cup final.

The resplendent cricket tapestry of South Africa extended to encompass the inaugural ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in January 2023. A riveting journey unfolded as the SA U19 team, guided by the winds of destiny, embarked on an exhilarating odyssey, narrowly missing a berth in the semi-finals after a captivating super 6 stage.

Enshrined in the essence of local talent, the Professional Domestic Women's League pulsates with vitality. It stands as a living testament to Cricket South Africa's unwavering commitment to sculpting the future of the sport. Collaborating with the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), an investment of R15 million over three years bolsters the structural edifice, breathing life into its developmental aspirations.

This monumental league comprises two radiant jewels: the CSA Women's One Day Cup and the CSA Women's T20 Challenge. A symphony of transformation beckons as this league's radiant beams endeavor to reshape perceptions, adorning women's cricket with the robes of celebration and honor.

A resplendent metamorphosis awaits the women's cricketing landscape. The cadence of change shall raise the number of permanent contracts within the 'Top Six' Division 1 from six to an elevating tally of 11 players per team. A profound transformation extends to the coaching realm, wherein an enhanced coaching ensemble, spearheaded by a head coach and an assistant coach, shall emerge as beacons of mentorship. A symphony of care orchestrates the realm of physical well-being, with a centralized system embracing physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches devotedly attending to each team.

The first division pulsates with heightened fervor, with champions DP World Lions and Six Gun Grill Western Province, along with Fidelity Titans, Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers, and the neophyte Free State, poised to embark on an unforgettable campaign. CSA, a maestro orchestrating this symphony of progress, presents a united pot of prize money, a testament to the league's resolute mission to elevate and embolden.

Pholetsi Moseki, the CEO of CSA, expressed his jubilant sentiments, "The unveiling of the Professional Women's Cricket League stands as a radiant tribute to the awe-inspiring feats of our national women's cricket team, a beacon illuminating a pathway toward an even brighter tomorrow."

Moseki's voice resounds with fervor, "The dawn of professionalization in the women's domestic framework seeks to elevate the women's cricket realm, a stage where local talents dazzle, the stage where excellence thrives, and inspiration births the legacies of tomorrow."

Glistening with triumph, Moseki's words ring with conviction, "In the wake of South African cricket's resplendent global achievements, this league evolves into a stepping stone for burgeoning talent. It weaves an environment fostering growth, resilience, and an eternal ardor for the sport."

"Enthusiasm emanates from fans, players, and patrons, a collective crescendo heralding a new era. To brands that champion the realm of women's cricket, we extend the call to unite in support. Let us together herald a radiant narrative, one that shall redefine women's sporting eminence in our nation," Moseki concluded, a visionary crescendo echoing through the tapestry of time.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

The picturesque market town of Ashby-De-La-Zouch in Leicestershire, England, witnessed the birth of a cricket legend who would etch her name into the annals of the sport. Karen Smithies, a name that resounds with elegance and excellence, emerged as an epitome of left-handed and right-arm bowling prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the game.

Hailing from a cricket-infused family, Smithies' father adorned roles as a local club cricketer, captain, groundsman, and treasurer of the NW Leicestershire Miners Welfare cricket team. Her mother assumed the role of the tea lady, while Karen and her sister took up the responsibilities of scorers—forming a complete cricket management team. Little did they know that the young scorer would one day be honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her dedicated service to ladies' cricket!

Smithies' tryst with cricket began at a tender age, leading her to play for the local boys U18 cricket club side when she was only 15. With her cricket pedigree becoming apparent, she was soon spotted and brought to Nottingham for trials. A cricket legend in her own right, Enid Bakewell, who was representing Nottinghamshire at the time, mentored Smithies as she ventured into the England junior side.

In 1984, Smithies embarked on her maiden journey with the junior side, embarking on a tour to Denmark. This marked the commencement of a glorious career that saw her debut in a Test match in 1986 and subsequently in a One-Day International (ODI) in 1987.

Recalling those early days, Smithies reminisced, "It was all very amateur then, so every tour away my parents had to pay for me to go."

The tide of destiny surged forth rapidly. "Things happened pretty quickly after that," Smithies fondly recalled. She soared to participate in three Women's Cricket World Cups spanning from 1988 to 1997. Notably, she captained the England side that clinched their second World Cup title in 1993.

Her heart swelled with pride as she recounted, "I was delighted to have scooped the joint leading wicket-taker title in that tournament."

Smithies' cricket journey encompassed 69 ODI's and 15 Test matches, stretching from 1986 to 2000. Her tenure as the captain of England from 1993 to 2000 heralded a chapter of leadership and excellence.

Across continents and cultures, Smithies traversed the landscapes of India, New Zealand, and Australia. These voyages introduced her to remarkable individuals beyond the realm of cricket, enriching her life's journey. Reflecting on her experiences, she mused, "Part of my memory and journey" resides in these escapades.

Among her sojourns, India left an indelible imprint on her heart. A nation steeped in cricket fervor, Smithies' encounters in India resonated deeply. Recounting a profound moment, she shared, "To play in a country that is so passionate about cricket was unbelievable. But that moment when we met Mother Teresa, in Kolkata and had morning mass with her, was the pinnacle of my experience."

Cricket bestowed this meeting, and Smithies' eyes shimmered with the reminiscence of that poignant encounter. The camaraderie fostered through the game led her England side to compete against the South African women at Lords in 1997.

In 1998, Smithies' journey took an unexpected turn as she embarked on a new adventure in South Africa. Her expertise graced the University of Pretoria, where she assumed the dual role of player-coach. The allure of South Africa captivated her heart, leading to her decision to make the nation her permanent home after retiring from international cricket in 2000.

With an unwavering commitment to the game, Smithies ventured into coaching, nurturing a generation of formidable women cricketers. Her impact was transformative, and her journey culminated in a role as the head coach for the women senior team, the U19 set-up, and oversight of the U16 and U13 teams at the Northerns Cricket Union.

Smithies' journey has been marked by relentless pursuit. She acquired her level one and two coaching certifications with the ECB in the UK, coupled with a level three certification in South Africa.

Drawing inspiration from the players she mentored, Smithies observed their resolute determination to carve their place in the cricket world. She highlighted their commitment, saying, "They came into the cricket environment with very little knowledge of the game, yet they had this amazing drive to be part of something that really didn't give that much to them at the time."

As an embodiment of longevity and tenacity, Smithies embraced her role as the Titans Men & Women Team Manager. Her collaboration with six coaches, spanning 17 years with the Titans, yielded an impressive haul of 19 domestic cricket trophies.

Smithies' journey is an odyssey of dedication and inspiration. From her beginnings as a young scorer in Ashby-De-La-Zouch to becoming a cricket legend and mentor, she embodies humility and passion. Her devotion to cricket spans 39 years, marked by unflagging fervor and an unwavering love for the game.

In her own words, Smithies encapsulated her enduring passion, "One thing that remains constant throughout is my passion and love for the game."

As her journey continues to unfold, Karen Smithies' legacy remains etched in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts, a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

As anticipation continues to build for the highly anticipated opening match between France and New Zealand on September 8, rugby fans are in for a treat with the unveiling of the largest-ever Official Tournament Shop dedicated to the Rugby World Cup. Set to welcome visitors from August 22, this colossal retail haven will be located at the iconic Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris.

To mark the grand opening, Legends, the operators behind this monumental venture, have an exclusive surprise in store for the first 100 shoppers who enter at 4:00 PM local time on Tuesday. These lucky patrons will stand a chance to win tickets to the electrifying opening match and other exciting retail merchandise. Additional delights await these early birds, including appearances by player ambassadors and the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup.

Encompassing a sprawling area of 1,000 square meters, this store sets the record as the largest-ever store established for a Rugby World Cup event. It also claims the title of being the most expansive of all official stores operating throughout France during the tournament period.

Opening its doors from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with extended hours until 11:00 PM on match days, this shop will serve as a haven for rugby enthusiasts, offering them the unparalleled opportunity to peruse the entire official collection of Rugby World Cup France 2023.

Returning to France for the first time since 2007, this edition of the tournament has already achieved ticket sales records, foreshadowing its status as the most celebrated iteration yet. With millions of rugby aficionados from both France and around the globe coming together, the stage is set for a monumental event.

Commencing on September 8, the Place de la Concorde will not only witness thrilling matches but also be home to the official Paris Rugby Village. This expansive and free-entry space will host match screenings and an array of sports and cultural experiences, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

At the heart of the square, the official store will provide supporters from diverse nations with a platform to engage in pop-up events, don their team colors, and secure a tangible keepsake along with cherished memories of an event that doubles as rugby's bicentennial celebration.

Among the offerings available for purchase will be replica jerseys for every participating team, official Gilbert match balls, 20 Nations products, and a wide array of accessories and souvenirs, ranging from berets and keyrings to miniature replicas of the illustrious Webb Ellis Cup. Additionally, a new classic lifestyle and rugbywear collection is set to be unveiled.

Michel Poussau, World Rugby’s Executive Director for Rugby World Cup France 2023, expressed the sentiment behind the venture, stating, "This store will be more than a simple retail space. Located right in the center of Paris, it will be a place for fans, tourists, and visitors to come together and experience a taste of the unique Rugby World Cup atmosphere."

Christophe Rousseau, Director of Operations at Legends, the sports retail specialists operating the official Rugby World Cup France 2023 stores, conveyed the company's enthusiasm, saying, "We are particularly thrilled at Legends Global Merchandise to have designed and to operate the largest Official Store ever built for a Rugby World Cup!" He further emphasized that this store is a gateway for fans to immerse themselves in the unparalleled range and atmosphere of the France 2023 edition.

As excitement soars and the countdown to the opening match continues, rugby enthusiasts and visitors alike can look forward to a one-of-a-kind experience at the Official Tournament Shop, nestled in the heart of Paris' iconic Place de la Concorde.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The realm of women's cricket has embarked on an awe-inspiring journey of growth, and the numbers from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 serve as a resounding testament to this remarkable ascent. With an astounding uplift of 26% in video views across all ICC digital platforms, the 2023 edition amassed a staggering 1.39 billion video views compared to the 1.1 billion garnered by the 2020 edition in Australia.

What's more, the ICC website and app witnessed the highest-ever audience for a women's cricket event, recording 12.5 million unique users across both platforms. This astonishing figure is a 20% surge from the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 held in New Zealand. Undoubtedly, this surge in numbers underscores the dividends reaped from ICC's strategic investment in an array of groundbreaking features, an industry first for a women’s cricket event.

One of the standout innovations was the VR ShotTracker, which enabled fans to experience augmented replays of every six, offering an immersive view of the game's most electrifying moments. The inclusion of a vertical video feed, featuring in-game highlights and match recaps, kept fans engaged and up-to-date. Additionally, the in-stadia activations for attending fans added another layer of excitement to the entire experience.

The ICC's alliance with Meta bore fruit yet again, with the primary objective of enhancing awareness of the event among a younger and more diverse audience in India. Collaborating with three Instagram content creators, the ICC presented non-traditional content pieces, including an Indian cricket team singalong, humor-infused skits involving players (in Hindi), and empowering segments celebrating the event's participants. This inventive content series struck a chord, amassing a remarkable 344 million video views for just 14 individual Reels.

Speaking on this resounding success, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice stated, "The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 broadcast and digital numbers are another example of the excellent progress that is being made to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket." Clearly, this ascendancy of women's cricket is not just an isolated event; it is part of a larger strategy to captivate fans and engage new audiences through ICC's Women's events.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 transformed the landscape of women's cricket in South Africa with its exhilarating and competitive matches. Moreover, the event managed to attract increased engagement in key markets such as India and the UK. Allardice expressed his delight in this multi-faceted success story, which doesn't merely halt at one event but continues throughout the year, nourishing the insatiable appetite for engaging content among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

The Australian cricket community received a setback as the news broke that Steven Smith would miss the entire South Africa tour due to a lingering wrist injury sustained during the Ashes. Despite this setback, Smith's anticipated return for the ODIs in India and the forthcoming World Cup has provided a glimmer of hope.

Ashton Turner, at the helm of the Perth Scorchers, will step into Smith's shoes for the T20Is, while Marnus Labuschagne's inclusion brings fresh energy to the ODI segment.

Smith's battles with a persistent left wrist issue, stemming from a tendon injury, were evident throughout the England series. Presently, he is undergoing recovery with the aid of a splint. His absence from the T20Is against South Africa is a notable loss, yet his slated comeback for the India series in September, just prior to the World Cup, is eagerly anticipated.

Mitchell Starc, currently nursing a groin ailment post the Ashes, will also miss the South Africa tour, but expectations are high for his participation in the India series. Uncapped left-arm speedster Spencer Johnson will remain in South Africa for the ODIs.

Stepping into the captain's shoes for the South Africa ODIs, Mitchell Marsh's appointment follows his leadership role in the T20I series. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins' contribution during the ODIs is contingent on his recovery from a fractured wrist.

Chair of selectors George Bailey elucidated that the compacted Ashes series and the ongoing World Test Championship influenced a cautious approach, considering the imminent World Cup. Bailey underscored, "With the World Cup as our squad's focal point, it was advised that Steve and Mitchell be integrated into the group in India, allowing them ample time to regain full fitness for the Indian ODI series and the subsequent World Cup warm-up fixture."

The T20I squad already faces depletion due to player rest, encompassing Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Green, Warner, and Agar. Glenn Maxwell's dual engagement in T20Is against South Africa followed by his absence for the subsequent ODI series, as he awaits the birth of his child, reflects his commitment to both cricket and family.

Marnus Labuschagne's call-up signals a renewed opportunity in the ODI domain, although his participation in the World Cup squad remains uncertain. Ashton Turner, stepping in as a replacement, is making his exit from the Hundred tournament to bolster the Australian contingent in South Africa.

Turner's leadership and Labuschagne's inclusion aptly epitomize Australia's adept adaptation strategy in the face of pivotal player absences, shedding light on meticulous planning for the imminent World Cup.

Guiding the T20 side, Coach Michael Di Venuto will be joined by Clint McKay and Australian women's assistant coach Dan Marsh, while head coach Andrew McDonald temporarily steps back ahead of the ODIs.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

In a resounding display of enthusiasm for women's rugby, cities spanning England are primed to commemorate the impending Rugby World Cup 2025, with just two years remaining until the momentous event kicks off. Anticipation mounts as the 10th edition of the world's preeminent women's rugby championship is slated to unfold between August 22 and September 27, 2025.

This forthcoming edition of the pinnacle global tournament ushers in new milestones, with the teams increased from 12 to 16—a testament to the accelerating growth of women's rugby on a global scale. The reverberations of one exhilarating Women's World Cup are set to segue seamlessly into another as England takes center stage in hosting Rugby World Cup 2025.

In tandem with the support of the UK Government, World Rugby and the RFU have officially unveiled the host cities, venues, and tournament dates for this monumental celebration of women's rugby. The curtain will rise on August 22, with the grand finale set to transpire on September 27. The unprecedented nationwide format ensures unparalleled access to witness, engage with, and champion the luminaries of the women's game.

Following an ardent selection process, the lineup of host cities and venues mirrors the tournament's central aim of propelling the sport's growth, propounding rugby across diverse communities in the country. Each location is poised to offer a family-oriented rugby extravaganza.

Marking a groundbreaking departure, this elite women's rugby tournament will unfold across eight venues and cities nationwide, with a roster of 16 teams contending to seize the mantle of world champions.

The Celebration Unveiled: Host Cities and Venues

Brighton and Hove – Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium
Bristol – Ashton Gate
Exeter – Sandy Park
London – Twickenham Stadium
Manchester – Salford Community Stadium *Subject to final confirmation
Northampton – Franklin’s Gardens
Sunderland – Stadium of Light
York – York Community Stadium
While the comprehensive match schedule and ticket particulars will be disclosed in the forthcoming year, this two-year juncture marks an opportune moment for fans across England to commence their preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2025 experience.

Canada, England, France, and New Zealand have already secured their positions in Rugby World Cup 2025 by virtue of their top-four finishes in RWC 2021. The remaining slots will be filled via the new women's international 15s tournament, WXV, and regional competitions in 2024.

Elevating the standards and fortifying the roots of the sport, Rugby World Cup 2021 charted remarkable milestones, welcoming over 150,000 attendees throughout the tournament. The final alone garnered an average viewership of 1.8 million in England and New Zealand, with social media amassing more than 156 million video views. This epochal event not only forged indomitable personas but also forged accessible and relatable role models, championing transformative change.

With Rugby World Cup 2025 in sight, the mission to advance women in rugby rouses fresh vigor, fostering the aspirations of burgeoning players and galvanizing the ascent of women's sports across England and the globe. The Rugby World Cup Impact Programme, a collaborative initiative between the RFU, UK Government, and Sport England, is poised to yield unprecedented opportunities for females across all tiers of the game, spanning volunteering, coaching, and internships.

Set to be the most accessible iteration to date, Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to transcend geographical bounds, bringing the finest players to cities all over England. Among the chosen venues, four are already home to English domestic rugby squads, exemplifying the synergy between elite and grassroots rugby. The illustrious Twickenham Stadium, iconic citadel of England Rugby, also takes a pivotal role as a host venue.

The tournament finds its way to three stadiums with a football pedigree: Brighton and Hove Stadium, Sunderland's Stadium of Light, and York's Community Stadium. This diverse selection of locales echoes the tournament's ethos of accessibility and inclusivity.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont encapsulated the sentiment, affirming, "RWC 2025 is set to take the game to the next level as the biggest celebration of women’s rugby with fans and players very much at its heart." As the journey towards Rugby World Cup 2025 ensues, England's role as the epicenter of world-class sporting splendor comes into view, primed to etch an indelible legacy in the annals of sport.


PHOTO: Hagen Hopkins - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Image
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Two Years Await Until the Eruption of Rugby World Cup 2025, Engulfing England in Anticipation

The atmosphere crackles with electric anticipation as England's cities gear up for an exultant celebration—the impending Rugby World Cup 2025 looms large, a mere two years away from dazzling audiences. The crescendo of excitement peaks as the 10th edition of the paramount women's rugby championship prepares to grace the stage, igniting the skies from August 22 to September 27, 2025.

This forthcoming chapter of the global masterpiece unfolds with resplendent innovation, raising the stakes as the teams surge from 12 to 16—an audacious tribute to the wildfire spread of women's rugby across the planet. The resounding echoes of a spellbinding Women's World Cup cascade seamlessly into another crescendo, as England ascends to the spotlight to host the grand theater of Rugby World Cup 2025.

In a harmonious symphony supported by the UK Government's fortitude, World Rugby and the RFU have dramatically unfurled the tapestry of host cities, venues, and the epic voyage's timeline, all in honor of this grand jubilation of women's rugby. The grand overture shall grace the skies on August 22, with the grand finale unfurling on September 27. This audacious and unprecedented tapestry weaves together a nation, affording an unparalleled opportunity to embrace, witness, and reverberate with the eminence of women's rugby legends.

Emerging from an ardently scrutinized selection process, the celestial alignment of host cities and venues resounds with the very heartbeat of the sport's growth—a magnificent tapestry that stitches rugby's essence into the diverse tapestry of communities across the nation. Each locale unveils its stage with an unfaltering promise: a rugby extravaganza woven for families to embrace with fervor.

Breaking free from the known, this coveted women's rugby gala sprawls across eight resplendent venues, nestled within cities that span the expanse of the nation. Sixteen teams shall duel passionately, each thirsting to seize the coveted title of world champions, inscribing their names into the annals of rugby history.

A Glimpse of the Grand Stage: Host Cities and Venues

Brighton and Hove – Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium
Bristol – Ashton Gate
Exeter – Sandy Park
London – Twickenham Stadium
Manchester – Salford Community Stadium (*Pending final confirmation)
Northampton – Franklin’s Gardens
Sunderland – Stadium of Light
York – York Community Stadium
While the intricate choreography of matches and the intricacies of ticketing await their grand reveal in the forthcoming year, this pivotal juncture of two years offers an exquisite canvas for enthusiasts across England to commence their meticulous preparations for their Rugby World Cup 2025 odyssey.

In the spotlight, the formidable Canada, England, France, and New Zealand have already secured their elite spots in the pantheon of Rugby World Cup 2025 due to their triumphant top-four finishes in RWC 2021. The remaining saga of entry shall be authored by the bold narratives of the new women's international 15s tournament, WXV, and the dramatic regional showdowns of 2024.

Elevating standards, bolstering the very bedrock of the sport, the scintillating tale of Rugby World Cup 2021 authored monumental feats, summoning a colossal gathering of over 150,000 devotees throughout the spectacle. The culminating act alone witnessed an enraptured audience of 1.8 million in England and New Zealand, while the digital tapestry echoed with over 156 million video views. An epochal occasion birthing steadfast titans, yet also crafting accessible and relatable avatars to spark transformative waves of change.

With the radiant horizon of Rugby World Cup 2025 gleaming brightly, the endeavor to propel the beacon of women's rugby awakens with renewed vigor, infusing dreams into nascent players and catalyzing a sweeping rise of women's sporting prowess, casting an enthralling spell across the English landscapes and beyond. The harmonious alliance of RFU, UK Government, and Sport England heralds the Rugby World Cup Impact Programme, forging pathways of unprecedented potential for women, spanning tiers, embracing the realm of volunteerism, coaching, and internships.

A resplendent aspiration takes flight—a vision of Rugby World Cup 2025 ascending to unsurpassed accessibility, transcending geographical confines, serenading cities across England with the luminance of the premier players. Among these chosen theaters, four splendidly echo with the rapture of English domestic rugby, a sublime synergy embracing both the zenith and grassroots of the game. Among these beacons, the venerable Twickenham Stadium, a hallowed coliseum of England Rugby, assumes the pivotal mantle of a host venue, poised to orchestrate magnificent spectacles.

The grand orchestration also sweeps across three arenas, renowned citadels of football prowess: the ethereal Brighton and Hove Stadium, the effulgent Stadium of Light in Sunderland, and the mesmerizing York Community Stadium. This triumvirate of locales unfurls an exquisite spectrum, perfectly harmonizing with the ethos of inclusivity and accessibility that underpins this grand odyssey.

In the resounding words of World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, "RWC 2025 is set to take the game to the next level as the biggest celebration of women’s rugby with fans and players very much at its heart." As the odyssey toward Rugby World Cup 2025 unfurls, the magnificent tapestry of England's role as a crucible of world-class sporting splendor comes into full view, poised to etch an indelible legacy in the immortal chronicles of sport.

Photo credit: Hagen Hopkins - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Image
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

The realm of women's cricket has embarked on an awe-inspiring journey of growth, and the numbers from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 serve as a resounding testament to this remarkable ascent. With an astounding uplift of 26% in video views across all ICC digital platforms, the 2023 edition amassed a staggering 1.39 billion video views compared to the 1.1 billion garnered by the 2020 edition in Australia.

What's more, the ICC website and app witnessed the highest-ever audience for a women's cricket event, recording 12.5 million unique users across both platforms. This astonishing figure is a 20% surge from the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 held in New Zealand. Undoubtedly, this surge in numbers underscores the dividends reaped from ICC's strategic investment in an array of groundbreaking features, an industry first for a women’s cricket event.

One of the standout innovations was the VR ShotTracker, which enabled fans to experience augmented replays of every six, offering an immersive view of the game's most electrifying moments. The inclusion of a vertical video feed, featuring in-game highlights and match recaps, kept fans engaged and up-to-date. Additionally, the in-stadia activations for attending fans added another layer of excitement to the entire experience.

The ICC's alliance with Meta bore fruit yet again, with the primary objective of enhancing awareness of the event among a younger and more diverse audience in India. Collaborating with three Instagram content creators, the ICC presented non-traditional content pieces, including an Indian cricket team singalong, humor-infused skits involving players (in Hindi), and empowering segments celebrating the event's participants. This inventive content series struck a chord, amassing a remarkable 344 million video views for just 14 individual Reels.

Speaking on this resounding success, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice stated, "The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 broadcast and digital numbers are another example of the excellent progress that is being made to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket." Clearly, this ascendancy of women's cricket is not just an isolated event; it is part of a larger strategy to captivate fans and engage new audiences through ICC's Women's events.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 transformed the landscape of women's cricket in South Africa with its exhilarating and competitive matches. Moreover, the event managed to attract increased engagement in key markets such as India and the UK. Allardice expressed his delight in this multi-faceted success story, which doesn't merely halt at one event but continues throughout the year, nourishing the insatiable appetite for engaging content among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

August 20, 2023 - In a thrilling final showdown at the Women's World Cup, Spain secured a historic victory by defeating England 1-0. The culmination of this global spectacle, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, not only set new attendance and TV records but also ignited hopes for a surge in interest and support for women's football.

A pivotal Olga Carmona goal proved to be the decisive factor in a riveting contest that saw Spain create a majority of the clear-cut chances. Thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered at Stadium Australia in Sydney, immersing themselves in a vibrant festival atmosphere created by drummers and stilt walkers.

Both Spain and England, making their maiden appearances in a Women's World Cup final, battled fiercely for supremacy. The victory for Spain marked their first-ever world title in women's football, while England's pursuit of a trophy, since their memorable men's tournament victory in 1966, was prolonged.

As Australia's national team, the Matildas, exited the tournament in the semi-finals, local interest experienced a dip. However, a total of nearly two million fans contributed to the success of the event across nine host cities, culminating with a final crowd of 75,784.

Australia's semi-final match against England attracted an astonishing average viewership of 7.13 million on the Seven Network, setting an unprecedented record for OzTAM, a research firm established in 2001. Matildas matches, with sold-out venues months in advance, indicate a promising future for women's football in terms of audience engagement.

Organizers expect the average attendance to surpass 30,000 once all 64 matches are concluded, further accentuating the event's significant appeal. Comparatively, the last Women's World Cup in France drew over 1.1 million fans to 52 matches, with an average crowd of 21,756.

In New Zealand, interest was varied, with some matches attracting as few as 7,000 fans. The White Ferns, however, managed to set soccer attendance records for the country despite their team's early exit in the group stages.

At the grassroots level, the sport demands increased resources, as emphasized by Matildas striker Sam Kerr following their semi-final defeat. The team's standout performance has ignited calls for enhanced support for women's soccer in Australia, highlighting the sport's growth potential.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged A$200 million for women's sports development, with soccer set to benefit from this significant funding. The government also aims to ensure broader access to women's sporting events through free-to-air television broadcasts, addressing concerns about paywalled coverage.

The remarkable journeys of the finalists, England and Spain, underscore the challenges that women's soccer has encountered. Despite these hurdles, the sport is progressively gaining momentum and recognition, indicative of a changing landscape that promises brighter horizons for women's football on a global scale.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]