Summer of Sport

Summer of sport focus turns to women’s rugby

The weather has been scorching and so has the action on the pitch. The focus of a glorious summer of sport is turning to rugby, in particular the 10th edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup taking place in England from 22nd August to 27th September. The pundits have the host nation as favourites, but the Red Roses will face stiff competition from defending champions New Zealand as well as Canada, Australia and France.

The tournament has been expanded from the 12 teams that contested the 2022 competition. A total of 16 teams – including home nations Scotland, Wales, and Ireland – will be looking to make their mark and lift the trophy at Twickenham. Meanwhile, the USA Eagles hope their powerhouse player, Ilona Maher, one of the game’s true superstars, will give them the edge.

We sent our roving reporter Audrey Gassner, 9, [pictured above with Red Roses’ star Zoe Harrison] to an England women’s squad training session at Twickenham. Audrey is a member of the Sonics, a girls rugby club that’s part of National Lottery-funded Saracens Rugby Football Club. Read all about Audrey and her amazing day with the Red Roses here.

The action on the rugby pitch follows hard on the heels of the Lionesses’ successful defence of the Women’s Euros title. The team’s dramatic win over Spain inspired the nation and led to jubilant scenes on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as Leah Williamson and her squad lifted the Euros trophy in front of tens of thousands of fans.

The summer’s thrilling action in Switzerland and England can be seen as the culmination of three decades of National Lottery support that has transformed women's sport from the grassroots up. To celebrate 30 years of The National Lottery and the £30Million raised for Good Causes every week by its players, we're showcasing how £6.8BN has revolutionised women and girls' sport across the UK.

As part of that effort, we teamed up with former Lionesses midfielder Jill Scott on a very special campaign with ITV. This campaign highlighted the huge impact of National Lottery funding on grassroots sport. The ad featured Jill alongside some incredible players who have all benefited from National Lottery funding. Watch the ad below.

Chasing dreams with Jill Scott

Watch Jill Scott, one of England’s most decorated players, explain how more than £6BN of National Lottery funding for grassroots sport projects is helping discover the stars of tomorrow.

Published 29th June 2025. Updated 29th July and 12th August 2025.