Women’s Rugby World Cup sparks boom in Devon and Dartmoor clubs

England’s appearance in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final is inspiring more girls and women to take up rugby, with Devon and Dartmoor clubs reporting record participation and growth.

World Rugby reports that nearly half of women’s rugby fans discovered the sport in the past two years, while the number of registered female players has risen by 34 per cent to more than 320,000.

The scene in Devon reflects this growth, with over 30 clubs fielding teams for all ages, from under-12s to under-18s, as well as senior and inclusive squads.

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Devon Women’s rugby team has also seen success, winning the Gill Burns County Championship Division 3 title and earning promotion to Division 2.

Local player Hannah Lumley, from Yelverton, played in the Devon side that clinched the title at Twickenham.

She says the sport has improved massively since she started.

“Girls can now represent a local team rather than travelling miles to join another,” she explains. “Teams like Ivybridge have invested in their girls’ sections, giving more opportunities to play and compete.”

Hannah added that visibility for women’s rugby has grown. “When I first started, you’d have to watch England games on YouTube (if it was streamed at all), but now the Six Nations is available on BBC iPlayer, which is amazing for the sport and young players.”

ABOVE: Hannah Lumley after victory at Twickenham (Credit: Tracey Lumley)

Playing in Devon has also helped her personally. “I’ve played at Twickenham twice and currently play for Ivybridge Ladies, just two leagues below professional level. Exeter Chiefs provide a professional pathway, showing that a career in rugby is possible even from Devon.”

With some World Cup games hosted at Sandy Park in Exeter, Hannah believes the tournament has inspired even more local participation. “Seeing teams like New Zealand, France, and South Africa in Devon will encourage more people to watch and play women’s rugby” she said.

The World Cup final is not just a national event, but also a boost for local clubs and young players across Devon and Dartmoor, helping the sport thrive at grassroots and elite levels.

Fans can watch the final live on BBC One, Saturday 27 September, with coverage starting at 4pm, or stream it via BBC iPlayer.