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Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Tours, Inspiration & Record Crowds

Rugby Tours That Will Live Long In The Memory

Earlier this month, the Mullingar RFC U18 and U16 Girls as well as the West Cork Rebelettes (Bantry Bay RFC & Skibbereen RFC amalgamated) squads travelled with Irish Rugby Tours to the UK for a trip that combined rugby, travel, and a chance to be part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup experience.

Playing Their Own Part 🏉

The squads played their own games while on tour:

These fixtures gave players the opportunity to test themselves against new opposition and experience the traditions of club rugby in England. Friendships were formed, and there’s already talk of return fixtures in the future.

There was non rugby related activities too as the Mullingar squads headed to Windsor to soak up the cultural magic there and all groups took in the buzz at Brighton Pier on match morning ahead of the Ireland v Black Ferns RWC Pool Game.

Mullingar RFC U16 Girls Squad posing for a Team photo ahead of their fixture against Bracknell RFC Girls.

Mullingar RFC Girls Squad ahead of their fixture v Bracknell RFC

Mullingar RFC U18 Girls Squad stand for a team photo at London Irish Rugby Club.

Mullingar RFC Girls ahead of their fixture v London Irish RFC

West Cork Rebelettes and Guildford RFC squads posing together in a photo after their recent match.

West Cork Rebelettes

The Rugby World Cup Experience

The Women’s Rugby World Cup this year broke records everywhere and is rewriting history:

  • The opening match drew 42,723 fans to the Stadium of Light, setting a new record for a Women’s Rugby World Cup opener.

  • Approximately 440,000 tickets were sold — that’s 100,000 more than World Rugby’s original target.

  • The semi-finals brought in over 50,000 spectators between two games at Ashton Gate, smashing previous records.

  • The final was attended by 81,885 fans, making it the biggest women’s rugby crowd ever.

  • The final was watched by 5.8 million viewers across TV and streaming platforms. Source: BBC Sport

This marks a generational moment for the women’s game. Packed stadiums, global visibility, and growing fan bases prove that the sport has stepped into a new era.

(Source: Rugby World Cup 2025)

Ireland v Black Ferns – Brighton

Our touring squads attended the historic Ireland v Black Ferns RWC pool game in Brighton and we could hardly believe the scenes.  Despite the disappointing result for Ireland, the occasion felt on par with a men’s World Cup. From the lanes in Brighton on match morning – teeming with supporters in their Irish rugby jerseys, to well thought-out fan zones and a buzzing 30,000+ packed stadium, it was an incredible experience to be part of – a landmark moment in the women’s game.

Ireland’s run ended in the quarter-final against France, but their performances caught the attention of everyone who followed the tournament and we can only feel excited about what is to come from this team in the future.

A Tour to Inspire – Women In Sport 

For the girls who stood in Brighton, watching Ireland run out against New Zealand and then push France to the limit, the message was clear: women’s rugby is growing, and it belongs on the biggest stages where they might some day feature. Off the pitch, the energy has carried onto social media platforms, where players, teams and tournament accounts have kept fans entertained and engaged, building a global rugby community. A phenomenal tournament from start to finish.

The Feedback

  • “Planning a tour for 100+ people to the Women’s Rugby World Cup seemed like a daunting task until Irish Rugby Tours came along. We really had the trip of a lifetime and everyone in the group was in total agreement.” Mullingar RFC 
  • “From start to finish, Irish Rugby Tours were nothing but helpful. Every detail exceeded our expectations — from the hotel and meals to the fixtures and organisation. Our driver and guide were superb, and Guildford RFC could not have been more welcoming hosts. The balance of rugby, activities, and downtime was spot on, giving the girls time to bond and the parents space to relax. The experience of seeing Ireland at the Women’s Rugby World Cup was unforgettable, and overall it was a superb tour. We wouldn’t hesitate to travel with Irish Rugby Tours again.” West Cork Rebelettes 

Final Thoughts

At Irish Rugby Tours, we’re proud to have made this possible. Bringing nearly 150 young players abroad to play, to travel together, and to watch Ireland compete on the world stage is exactly what touring is about. Rugby may be at the heart of it, but the real value lies in the experiences these young people take home with them — the friendships, the memories, and the inspiration to be part of the future of the game.

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🏉 Best European Rugby Tour Destinations for 2026

Easy to reach, hard to forget.

When it comes to rugby tours, Europe has it all — world-class facilities, passionate local clubs, rich culture, and short flight times. Whether you’re planning a first-time school tour or an end-of-season club trip, Europe offers outstanding options to suit all ages, levels, and budgets.

Here are some of the best European rugby tour destinations to consider for 2026:

🇪🇸 1. Cambrils, Spain – The Ultimate Tour Base

Easily one of our most popular destinations, Cambrils offers sun, sea, and sport in perfect balance.


Why it works:

 

🇫🇷 2. Toulouse & the South of France – Heartland of French Rugby

Rugby is a way of life in the south of France — and your team will feel it from the moment they arrive.

Why it works:

  • Excellent club culture and strong hospitality
  • Balanced tour: competitive fixtures + great food + relaxed pace
  • Beautiful countryside, river towns, and cultural outings
  • Optional pro fixture (Toulouse, Castres, or Perpignan)
  • ✅ Ideal for: U16–U19, club and school teams seeking authentic rugby experience

 

🇵🇹 3. Lisbon & the Silver Coast, Portugal – Hidden Gem

Portugal is rapidly becoming a favourite tour spot — with its laid-back vibe, rising rugby profile, and excellent valu

Why it works:

  • Warm, sunny training conditions
  • Surf lessons in Ericeira, Lisbon tuk-tuk tours, and historical sites
  • Welcoming local clubs and improving competition
  • Coastal villages and city culture combined
  • ✅ Ideal for: School groups, TY, U14–U18 club sides

 

🇧🇪 4. Flanders, Belgium – Social Rugby Meets Culture

Belgium may not be top-of-mind, but for fun-focused rugby and deep cultural experiences, it delivers.

Why it works:

 

🇮🇹 5. Florence & Rome, Italy – Where History Meets Rugby

Italy offers a unique blend of culture, food, and rugby — all in one itinerary.

Why it works:

Final thoughts….

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, competition, or culture, Europe offers a wide range of rugby tour options. And best of all — they’re easy to reach, budget-friendly, and unforgettable.
With the right plan, your team can train hard, play tough, and still enjoy beach days, cultural tours, or theme park adventures.

🗓️ Still time to take your Team on tour in 2026 – the early bird catches the best flights, accommodation, fixtures and payment plans!

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How Rugby Tours Shape Young Athletes

Rugby tours are an abundance of things…

They’re opportunities for young athletes to grow—in their game, as teammates, and as individuals. Whether it’s a short trip nearby or a longer journey overseas, traveling together as a team builds skills and experiences that training alone can’t provide.

 

Here’s how rugby tours help develop young athletes in real, meaningful ways

  1. Representing Your Club and Country Builds Pride

When a team travels, they carry the name of their club—and often their country—with them. Wearing those badges away from home gives players a real sense of responsibility and pride. It’s no longer just a game; it’s about representing something bigger. That mindset pushes players to focus, prepare, and bring their best every time they step on the field.

  1. Traveling Together Strengthens Teamwork Off the Pitch

Touring means more than just playing rugby. It means sharing meals, packing bags, and navigating new places as a group. These experiences test and strengthen how players work together off the pitch. Learning to communicate, support each other, and solve problems as a team helps build bonds that make the whole squad stronger.

  1. Navigating New Cultures Teaches Respect and Team Identity

Every tour brings players face-to-face with new cultures and ways of life. That can throw up challenges—different food, languages, customs, and expectations. These moments are opportunities for the team to come together, negotiate their identity, and learn to respect differences while staying true to who they are. It’s a valuable lesson in adaptability and empathy that goes far beyond rugby.

  1. Playing Away Builds Mental Toughness and Adaptability

Playing rugby in an unfamiliar environment brings new challenges: different pitches, weather, referees, and styles of play. Add travel fatigue or schedule changes, and players need to learn how to adapt quickly. This builds mental toughness—learning to stay focused and resilient even when things don’t go perfectly. Those lessons help young athletes on the field and in life.

  1. Creating Shared Memories That Bind the Team

Some of the strongest team bonds come from shared experiences on tour. Whether it’s late-night talks, bus rides, or celebrating wins (and learning from losses), these moments create memories that last. That shared history builds trust and belonging, helping teams stay united and motivated long after they return home.

Final Thoughts

Rugby tours are powerful tools for developing young athletes. They build pride, teamwork, respect, resilience, and lifelong friendships. They’re a chance to grow players as individuals and as a team.

No matter where or how long the tour, the lessons learned and bonds formed will stay with your players for life.

To the Coaches, Parents and Guardians, Schools and Clubs who make it happen – More Power to You!

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