Exeter welcomes Woman's Rugby Teams to Exeter

Exeter’s proud to officially welcome the French and Italian teams to our city for the Women’s Rugby World Cup!

A special ceremony at Exeter Cathedrall marked their arrival, ahead of their opening match at Sandy Park on Saturday 23 August. Exeter is one of just eight host cities across England, and can’t wait to be part of the action.

Team Welcome Ceremonies are an important part of the teams’ experience at a Rugby World Cup as their first official welcome to England.  

All 16 teams will attend a Team Welcome Ceremony in the city or town hosting their first pool game of the tournament – in Exeter that’s France and Italy. 

Exeter is a proud host city of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the French and Italian teams will compete in their opening match in the tournament at Sandy Park on Saturday 23 August.   

The welcoming ceremony provided an opportunity to showcase Exeter and England as well as formally welcoming teams to the tournament. 

Alan Gilpin, Chief Executive of World Rugby, joined the Lord Mayor of Exeter Cllr Anne Jobson in formally welcoming the teams to the city, at an event attended by hundreds of invited guests at Exeter Cathedral. 

The ceremony, which included a cultural performance by the Northcott Theatre Choir, was also attended by dignitaries including Council Leader Phil Bialyk, and Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon, who made a keynote speech.  

Bindu said: “It was an honour and a privilege to welcome players from France and Italy to our city in the magnificent surroundings of Exeter Cathedral. 

“The ceremony marked an important milestone in the Rugby World Cup experience – a moment to celebrate the journey so far, and to formally welcome the teams, coaches, and support staff to their host city.   

“We are incredibly proud that Exeter is one of just eight host cities for the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025.  

“This tournament has the power to leave a long-lasting legacy of participation in physical activity, particularly among women and girls, and that is what we are fully focussed on. 

“So I wish all the teams every success on and off the field and I offer a very warm welcome to all the supporters who will visit our great city in the coming weeks.”  

The Bishop of Exeter, The Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison, said: "It is great to see the increased profile of international women's sporting events and wonderful to see Exeter playing its part in hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup and providing a base for the French and Italian teams. I have daughters who have always been very keen on rugby and they and I will be watching the matches avidly - in particular the progress of the England team! I hope the tournament will also provide a boost to our fantastic local rugby teams and clubs across Devon." 

Tony Rowe, Chairman and Chief Executive of Exeter Chiefs, joined the Lord Mayor to present caps, participation medals and host city gifts to both teams. 

In total seven matches will be played at Sandy Park, including two quarter finals. 

For details of tickets visit https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2025/en/tickets