Sunderland Schools Engage in Rugby for World Cup 2025 Preparations

A total of 240 students from 20 primary schools and 10 secondary schools in Sunderland participated in a special rugby skills event at the Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre on Tuesday, October 15. This initiative is part of an effort to promote rugby involvement ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, which Sunderland will host.

Children engaged in various skill-based games and activities at the event, focusing on key rugby skills such as agility, throwing, and catching. The event, facilitated by Active Sunderland, aims to encourage greater interest in rugby among schools, clubs, and local communities.

“I’m delighted to see so many children getting active and learning physical skills as well as valuable communication and teamwork,” said Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism. “As the city is getting ready to host England’s Red Roses for the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Stadium of Light, it’s wonderful to see so many young people taking interest in the sport.”

The Newcastle Falcons supported the event by organizing touch rugby activities for the school participants. Children who exhibited skills such as teamwork and leadership were recognized and awarded for their efforts.

This event is part of a legacy programme associated with the World Cup, designed to increase rugby participation and particularly attract more women and girls to the sport. Active Sunderland is establishing new recreational opportunities, including the installation of junior rugby posts at several locations across the city. New programmes are set to be announced soon.

The draw for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will take place on Thursday, October 17, and will be broadcast live on BBC‘s “The One Show,” a highly popular primetime programme in the UK. The tournament is anticipated to be England’s largest sporting event in 2025.