Your Exeter guide to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

This summer the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 comes to Exeter and excitement is building for the biggest sporting event of the year.

On and off the rugby pitch, we'll be celebrating this historic tournament, as we welcome fans from across the world to our city. To help you plan your visit, and not to miss any of the exciting action, we've put together this handy tournament guide.

The tournament

The Women's Rugby World Cup comes around every four years, with New Zealand last hosting the competition and also the current 6x world champions. This year's tournament will feature 16 international teams, competing across four groups and aiming to achieve the top honour in women's rugby. 

Within each group, every country will play three matches, with the top two countries then proceeding to the knock-out stages.  

Exeter's involvement will see Sandy Park hosting seven fixtures, including two Quarter-finals, which is the most of any of the tournament host cities across the UK. Our city looks forward to welcoming teams from New Zealand, Canada, France, Italy, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Japan and Brazil for matches at Sandy Park.

Key dates

The Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks-off on Friday 22nd August, with hosts England facing USA. The opening fixture for Sandy Park takes place between France and Italy on Saturday 23 August at 8:15pm.

A pair of double-header fixtures take place at Sandy Park on Sunday 31st August and Saturday 6th September, with the following weekend (13th and 14th September) hosting two Quarter-final fixtures.

The final of the tournament will be held at Twickenham Stadium, London on Saturday 27th September, where the World Champions will be crowned.

Tickets for all matches at Sandy Park are on sale now, priced from just £5.

Special offers

If you're planning on visiting Exeter during the tournament then why not turn it into a short break a treat yourself to a special offer from a choice of accommodation and attractions, in and around the city.

Where to watch

If you can't make it to Sandy Park then come along and soak up the atmosphere at Exeter's official city centre fan zone in Princesshay. Live coverage will be shown on a big screen each day of the tournament, including all the matches hosted at Sandy Park.

Spectators will have a mix of seating options within the free and accessible fan zone including bean bags, deck chairs and picnic benches with refreshments available at a pop-up bar.

For rugby fans who prefer the surroundings of a familar bar or pub then the Turks Head, Ludo and Stand Off will also be showing all the action. 

Accommodation

Whether you're here to cheer on your team at Sandy Park or soak up the vibrant match-day atmosphere, Exeter is the perfect city for your rugby break.

Offering a warm West Country welcome and a fantastic range of affordable places to stay, choose from trusted hotel brands and serviced accommodation to charming B&Bs and self-catering apartments. No matter your budget or group size, you’ll find comfort, convenience, and great value in Exeter.

Families will find plenty of child-friendly options with spacious rooms and convenient facilities, while couples can enjoy stylish boutique hotels close to the historic city centre and Quayside. With convenient transport links to Sandy Park, a great choice of restaurants, shopping, and Exeter’s top attractions all on your doorstep, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while visiting Exeter.

Attractions

Beyond the rugby action Exeter offers a winning mix of history and culture, with an array of popular attractions to visit that are perfect for a short city break.

Marvel at the stunning Exeter Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in the heart of the city and explore the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), packed with fascinating displays from natural history to world cultures. For a friendly introduction to the city join a daily, free Red Coat Guided Tour led by knowledgeable local volunteers or experience something unique with a tour of Exeter’s medieval Underground Passages.

Just a short walk from the city centre, Exeter’s Historic Quayside offers one of the most picturesque areas of the city, with a fascinating history, interesting architecture, and summer events programme.

Whether you're here for the rugby or making a weekend of it, Exeter’s attractions offer something for visitors of all ages.

Things to do

Exeter is a vibrant city that blends culture, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor fun. Day or night, Exeter is unrivalled in the region for things to do.

Culture lovers can explore the galleries at RAMM, take in a show at Exeter Corn Exchange or discover the thriving arts scene at Exeter Phoenix. For shoppers, Exeter offers a mix of high-street brands, boutiques, and specialised independent shops. The city is divided into distinct shopping quarters, each with its own character and unique shops.

When it comes to dining out, Exeter serves up award winning local produce alongside an extensive menu of international cuisine. Treat yourself to views overlooking Exeter Cathedral or enjoy a relaxing waterfront position to enjoy your meal.

On or off the water, no visit is complete without a leisurely paddle, stroll, or ride along the river. Offering a different pace of life, lose yourself amongst the beautiful scenery and wildlife, and enjoy a scenic pub stop along the way.

Find out more

For all the latest information and news about the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, visit our information page and follow us @visitexeter