BBC to broadcast Premiership Women’s Rugby matches in lead-up to home World Cup
BBC coverage of Premiership Women’s Rugby is set to increase this year, providing fans with more exposure to elite women’s rugby ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
That expanded coverage kicked off on Friday with a game between Harlequins and Bristol Bears at Twickenham Stoop.
With England hosting the World Cup later in 2025, BBC has committed to broadcasting four Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) matches, including the final on 16 March, live on BBC iPlayer as well as the BBC Sport website and app.
Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the story.
Growing appetite for women’s rugby
Bristol ended up beating Harlequins 19-10 in a great advert for the women’s game.
The confirmed semi-final match-up between Bristol and defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury then sold over 1000 tickets in a matter of hours.
That match will take place at Kingsholm Stadium – renamed Queensholm for the occasion – on 2 March.
And with every game just as crucial as the last in the race to the final, big tackles and high-intensity clashes can be expected.
“As the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off later this year, there's never been a better time for fans to follow the top players in Premiership Women’s Rugby,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport.
“The season has delivered so much already, and with so much still at stake, these games across BBC Sport will put fans right in the heart of the action. 2025 is set to be a landmark year for women’s sport, and we’re proud to bring these pivotal moments to audiences.”
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Expanding the audience in a World Cup year
According to PWR Head of Marketing Darren Hanley, broadcasting matches is a significant opportunity for audiences to familiarise themselves with players ahead of the World Cup.
“This year presents women's rugby with a unique opportunity to grow, and we are delighted to have broadcast partners like the BBC and TNT Sports to help us take the sport to new audiences,” he said.
“When the RWC kicks off this August, a big proportion of the athletes involved will also be PWR players, and this is a great opportunity for a huge TV audience to get to know these brilliant role models.”
BBC Sport is set to air the following PWR matches:
Harlequins vs Bristol Bears – 14 February, 7:45pm (UK time)
Gloucester-Hartpury vs Harlequins – 21 February, 7:45pm (UK time)
Semi-final – TBC
Final – 16 March, 3pm (UK time)
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