Women’s rugby has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, with record-breaking participation, increased global investment, and a surge in fan engagement. From grassroots levels to professional leagues, the sport has gained momentum as governing bodies and media outlets recognize its potential. The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) and the ongoing expansion of domestic competitions have propelled the sport into the spotlight, drawing in new audiences and increasing sponsorship deals.
However, despite these impressive strides, the question remains: is women’s rugby truly the fastest-growing sport globally? While some metrics point to significant growth, other sports—such as women’s soccer, basketball, and even pickleball—are also expanding at an extraordinary pace. In this article, we will explore the rise of women’s rugby, its place in the sporting landscape, and how it compares to other rapidly growing sports.
The Rise of Women’s Rugby
A Surge in Global Participation
Women’s rugby has witnessed remarkable growth in participation, with World Rugby reporting a 7% increase in the global female playing population. Today, there are nearly two million registered female rugby players worldwide. The number of active registered female players has jumped by 33.9% in the last few years, and grassroots programs are expanding at an unprecedented rate.
In regions like Europe, North America, and Oceania, women’s rugby has been embraced by schools, universities, and community clubs. Countries such as New Zealand, England, France, Canada, and Australia have seen a significant rise in participation, with national governing bodies launching initiatives to encourage young girls to take up the sport.
Professionalization and Investment
The increased interest in women’s rugby has led to greater financial investment and professionalization. The launch of leagues such as:
- Allianz Premier 15s (England)
- Super W (Australia)
- Premier Rugby Sevens (North America)
- Top 14 Féminin (France)
- Women’s Six Nations Championship
These leagues have provided female rugby players with more opportunities to compete at a professional level. Furthermore, World Rugby’s accelerated investment plan has dedicated significant funds to growing the women’s game, with a focus on media exposure, player welfare, and commercial sponsorships.
How Does Women’s Rugby Compare to Other Fast-Growing Sports?
While women’s rugby is expanding rapidly, it faces competition from several other sports that have experienced similar surges in popularity.
1. Women’s Soccer (Football)
Arguably, the fastest-growing women’s sport globally is soccer. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 set records, with over 2 billion viewers worldwide and packed stadiums in Australia and New Zealand. The expansion of women’s professional leagues in the United States (NWSL), Europe (Women’s Champions League, WSL), and Latin America has solidified soccer as a leader in global women’s sports.
2. Women’s Basketball
The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) has seen record-breaking viewership numbers, a rise in sponsorship deals, and increasing attendance figures. The success of female basketball players in international competitions, particularly in the United States, Spain, and Australia, has contributed to the sport’s rapid growth.
3. Pickleball
Surprisingly, pickleball has emerged as the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the past five years, with millions of new participants. The sport’s accessibility and ease of play have made it popular among women and young athletes.
4. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Women’s MMA (UFC, Bellator) has become a major spectacle, with stars like Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, and Valentina Shevchenko bringing mainstream attention to the sport. UFC President Dana White has acknowledged that some of the most successful pay-per-view events in recent years have featured female fighters.
The Role of Media and Sponsorship in Women’s Rugby Growth
One of the key factors in the rise of any sport is media coverage and sponsorship. Women’s rugby has received increased television exposure through:
- World Rugby’s Women’s XVs and Sevens coverage
- BBC and Sky Sports broadcasting the Women’s Six Nations
- Streaming partnerships with Amazon Prime and DAZN
Sponsorships from brands like Allianz, Mastercard, Guinness, and Adidas have injected financial support into the game, leading to higher wages for players and improved training facilities.
However, women’s rugby still faces challenges compared to women’s soccer and basketball, which attract larger audiences and bigger sponsorship deals. The next step for rugby is to secure more lucrative broadcasting rights and expand its digital footprint to engage new fans worldwide.
Challenges Facing Women’s Rugby’s Growth
Despite its rapid expansion, women’s rugby still has obstacles to overcome:
1. Pay Disparity and Investment
While investment is increasing, many female rugby players do not receive full-time salaries, making it difficult to compete at an elite level. Some national teams have part-time contracts, which means players must juggle jobs alongside training.
2. Fan Engagement
Compared to sports like women’s soccer, rugby still lags in viewership figures. While major tournaments like the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Six Nations are popular, club-level games do not attract the same audience numbers.
3. Accessibility in Some Countries
While nations like New Zealand, England, and Canada have strong women’s rugby programs, other regions still lack the necessary infrastructure. Expanding the game to countries in Africa, Asia, and South America remains a challenge.
Conclusion
Women’s rugby has undoubtedly positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. With rising participation numbers, growing professional leagues, and increased investment, the sport is experiencing a golden era of development. However, whether it is truly the fastest-growing sport depends on the metric used—while it surpasses some sports in participation growth, others like women’s soccer and basketball have a broader global reach and larger financial backing.
The future of women’s rugby lies in continued investment, improved media coverage, and greater fan engagement. With governing bodies and sponsors increasingly supporting the sport, the next decade could see women’s rugby cement its place among the world’s top professional sports.
Call to Action
Want to support the growth of women’s rugby? Follow your favorite teams, watch live matches, and share your enthusiasm on social media! Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, your engagement helps drive visibility and investment. Get involved, attend games, and be part of the movement shaping the future of women’s rugby!
See Also: Does Anyone Watch Women’s Rugby?
