Prime Minister Keir Starmer backs England for greatness at Women's Rugby World Cup

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed the Red Roses to help deliver a memorable summer of sport for the country at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. John Mitchell’s side will begin their campaign against the USA on August 22nd at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, with England on a mission to become champions of the world for a third time.

Speaking after a ‘50 Days to Go until Rugby World Cup 2025’ event hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Prime Minister said he believes the World Cup will inspire the nation.

He said: “The rise of women’s sport has been long overdue – and in just 50 days, when the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off we have another massive opportunity to supercharge the visibility of some of our most inspiring athletes from right across the Home Nations.

“Major tournaments like this don’t just entertain – they ignite passion, inspire future stars, and put us firmly on the map as a world-class host for global sport. With matches taking place in eight cities across the country, I know that this World Cup will showcase the very best of what England has to offer, on and off the field.

“That is why this government has invested millions of pounds directly into the legacy of this event and I am thrilled to know that this money has been spent on vital areas in the grassroots game like facilities development and encouraging more women and girls to play, coach and volunteer.

“I know the whole country will be behind the brilliant Red Roses when the tournament kicks off in Sunderland on 22 August, and I can’t wait to see the nation cheer them on.”

The Parliamentary event, which was a joint function hosted by RWC 2025, UK Sport and the RFU, coincided with the unveiling of two murals to celebrate the countdown until the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in England.

Each mural features a current Red Rose with connections to the city and a local rugby-playing girl, aged between 9-12. Each mural is placed in a prominent position within the city and there to act as an inspiration for people who might want to give rugby a go.

The murals, which were created by street design company MurWalls, have been funded through the RFU’s World Cup Legacy Programme, Impact ‘25. Impact ‘25 is delivered by the RFU in partnership with UK Government, Sport England and UK Sport and will see over £14.55m of Government funding committed to the sport in England and the home unions up to the end of March 2026, creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in rugby.

In Bristol, the mural heroes are England prop and Bristol Bears player Sarah Bern, featured alongside 9-year-old community player Ava-Mai Greenslade who was introduced to rugby through Impact ‘25 legacy funded activity delivered by the Bristol Bears Foundation.

"It's an incredible feeling to see a mural of myself alongside Ava-Mai in a city that has become my home,” Bern said.

“I adore Bristol. The young me would never have thought that one day I’d have my face alongside some of the most brilliant street art in the world. What an honour!

“You’ve got to see it to believe it and if murals in Bristol and Northampton can help inspire young girls and boys to pick up a rugby ball in such a big year for rugby in this country, then that will mean the world.”

The mural in Northampton stars Red Rose and Loughborough Lightning player Sadia Kabeya alongside nine-year-old player, Emily Richards.

Both girls have participated in programmes funded by Impact ‘25 and delivered by their local Premiership Women’s Rugby club community teams. These activities encourage girls to play rugby through schools. Each of these girls have played rugby this season at school and all also play at a club.

Alex Teasdale, the RFU Women’s Game Director, said: “As we count down to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, we’re proud to be celebrating the people and places at the heart of our game. These murals are not just a tribute to our incredible Red Roses, but a powerful statement about the future - one that puts young girls and local communities at the centre of our vision.

“Through the Impact ‘25 legacy programme, we’re working to ensure that this World Cup leaves a lasting legacy not just in stadiums, but in schools, clubs and towns and cities across the country. We hope these murals serve as a daily reminder that rugby is for everyone, and that young girls everywhere can see themselves in the sport.”

The murals also feature a QR code, giving information on how to get involved in rugby and support the Red Roses in their World Cup campaign this summer. It will also tell people more about the community activity the RFU is running to celebrate the momentous opportunity of hosting the World Cup here on English soil.

The World Cup presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow awareness, inspire new players, and reshape the investment narrative in women and girls' rugby. The RFU is investing across the entire pathway - from schoolgirls to World Cup contenders - and helping clubs maximise the World Cup to grow the game.