By Lucy Thomson in London
England players celebrate their World Cup victory. Photo: GLYN KIRK / AFP
The Women's Rugby World Cup in England has been hailed as a landmark tournament for the sport, delivering historic firsts, drama on and off the field, and a fairy-tale ending for hosts England.
From record-breaking crowds to unforgettable controversy, here are my five most memorable moments.
Record attendance and ticket sales
The tournament exceeded even its own expectations over attendance. With more than 440,000 tickets sold across the 30 games, it set a new benchmark for women's rugby as the most attended World Cup in history.
The number of tickets sold was triple that of the event in New Zealand just three years ago.
Twickenham's final between England and Canada drew a sell-out crowd of 81,885 - the largest ever audience for a women's rugby match.
Beyond the numbers, the vibrant atmosphere in stadiums across the country reflected the growing global appetite for the women's game.
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant said: "The slogan of this tournament has been the energy never stops… we've definitely felt that energy right from the moment we landed here in this country. The support for women's rugby and women's sport has totally been noticeable and made waves throughout the world, it's created conversations… not just through social media but mainstream media."
South African Maceala Samboya is tackled by Black Fern Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu in their quarterfinal. Photo: www.photosport.nz
South Africa makes history
South Africa also made history by advancing to the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time.
Regarded as underdogs on the global stage, the Springbok women combined grit, flair and innovation to set up a quarterfinal showdown against storied rugby rivals New Zealand. Their journey captured the imagination of fans back home and highlighted the strides being made in African women's rugby.
Though their campaign ended in the last eight, their achievement will be remembered as a watershed moment.
Head coach Swys de Bruin said after the match: "In 2022 we couldn't win a game. Now we get a chance in a quarterfinal and score three tries. I think a giant has awoken for women in South African rugby."
Bianca Silva scores Brazil's first try at a Rugby World Cup, in a pool match against France in Exeter, 31 August, 2025. Photo: AFP
Brazil's first World Cup try
For Brazil, simply qualifying for the tournament was a milestone in itself. But their pool-stage clash against France produced a moment that transcended the scoreboard, when utility back Bianca Silva sold a dummy and sprinted clear to score their first ever Rugby World Cup try. A milestone moment for the team and women's rugby in South America.
Axelle Berthoumieu, who got a huge ban for biting an opponent. Photo: AFP
Berthoumieu's bite
Not all moments at the World Cup were memorable for the right reasons.
French forward Axelle Berthoumieu made headlines after being cited for biting during France's quarterfinal victory over Ireland. The incident, caught on camera, led to a lengthy nine-month ban and sparked debate about discipline and conduct in the women's game.
It was one of the tournament's most controversial talking points, reminding fans that high-stakes matches can bring out both the best and the worst in players.
Ellie Kildunne scores for England in the final. Photo: AFP
England's home victory
The hosts delivered a fairy-tale ending for fans, lifting the trophy on home soil with a commanding victory over Canada in the final, to secure a third world title.
For the Red Roses, the win was more than redemption for their narrow defeats in previous campaigns - it was a celebration of years of investment, development, and resilience. The moment will go down in England rugby history.
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