RWC 2025 preparations begin in earnest with search for independent Chair

• England 2025 aims to raise the bar for women in rugby, advancing the reach of women’s sport in England and across the globe
• England 2025 is the first Rugby World Cup hosted under a new joint-venture model aimed at optimising efficiency and impact
• Independent Chair will preside over a new board structure that comprises World Rugby, RFU and UK Government nominated representatives and skills-based independent directors
• England 2025 will feature 16 teams as the sport continues to experience rapid growth

Preparations for Rugby World Cup 2025 in England have begun in earnest with the launch of the search process for an independent Chair of the board of directors to oversee the planning and delivery of a game-changing event that will set new standards on and off the field.

A joint-venture between World Rugby and The RFU, with funding from the UK Government, Rugby World Cup 2025 will usher in a new era as the first Rugby World Cup to be delivered under the new hosting model under World Rugby’s new events company.

The independent Chair will preside over a board structure that comprises World Rugby, RFU and UK Government nominated representatives and skills-based independent directors.

Following on from the launch of WXV, an annual global competition that will accelerate the competitiveness of the elite women’s game around the world, England 2025 will set new standards as the first Rugby World Cup to feature 16 teams as women’s participation goes from strength to strength.

World Rugby Chair Sir Bill Beaumont said: “When we announced England as the host nation for Rugby World Cup 2025 we did so knowing that we would be breaking new ground as the first event to be organised under the revised Rugby World Cup model at a time when interest and participation in women’s sport is on a massive high.

“Working in partnership with the RFU and UK Government, we have set the bar high in terms of what success looks like and England 2025 will be a game-changer. With one clear vision, the new model enables all stakeholders to maximise key objectives that will underpin a clear vision for the tournament to be the biggest and best women’s rugby event ever, elevating women in rugby on a global bases, delivering a lasting legacy, championing sustainability and delivering an exceptional fan experience.

“To oversee this ambition, we are looking to appoint an experienced independent Chair who is passionate about the power of women’s sport, has an excellent understanding of operating within governance structures and will oversee the delivery of what we believe will be the biggest and most impactful women’s rugby event of all time, advancing the profile, reach and inspiration of women’s sport in England and across the globe.”

Tom Ilube, RFU Chair, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with World Rugby and the Government in delivering the Rugby World Cup in 2025. 

“These are exciting times for women’s sport, and we are confident that Rugby World Cup 2025 will act as a catalyst for even greater numbers of women and girls to get involved in the game. The recent England Women’s Euro success has demonstrated what a galvanising effect major events such as this can have on interest and participation in sport.

“The independent Chair will be an important champion for our legacy programme which aims to accelerate the growth of the women’s game and drive rugby union in England to reflect the diversity of society.”

Interested parties should contact RWC25@sriexecutive.com for further information ahead of the closing date on 5 September.