Plans to use rugby pitch in Exeter for Women’s Rugby World Cup training

People will have the opportunity to comment on proposals to allow a sports pitch in Exeter to be used for training purposes shortly before and during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

People will have the opportunity to comment on proposals to allow a sports pitch in Exeter to be used for training purposes shortly before and during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

The City Council proposes entering into a short-term lease with Rugby World Cup (2025) Ltd for the land at Exhibition Fields, allowing Pitch 1 to be used by teams preparing for the tournament.

Several matches will be held at Sandy Park, Exeter, during the tournament, which takes place in August and September 2025.

Rugby World Cup (2025) Ltd requires the premises to be fenced to provide an exclusive and secure pitch for international rugby teams to train on during the tournament. The fencing will be removed at the end of the lease period, which runs from 11 August to 30 September 2025, after the tournament and the completion of any reinstatement works. During this time, the public will not have access to the premises.

The remainder of the open space at Exhibition Fields will remain unaffected by this short-term arrangement and will remain available for public use. At the end of the lease, the premises will revert to open space.

A plan showing the outline of the area to be included in the lease, including the rugby pitch, lineout, and scrummage areas, is available to view online at https://exeter.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations-and-petitions/public-open-space-disposal-land-at-exhibition-fields/ or can be requested by email at estates@exeter.gov.uk or by telephone on 01392 265127.

The Council will consider any comments submitted in writing to the Head of Commercial Assets, Exeter City Council, Paris Street, Exeter EX1 1JJ, or by emailing estates@exeter.gov.uk. Comments must be received by 28 December 2024.