The Red Roses, the dominant women’s rugby team in England, continue to capture the hearts and attention of sports fans across the UK. Their recent victory against France in the Women’s Six Nations not only secured their sixth consecutive Six Nations title and third straight Grand Slam, but it also set a new record for the most-watched sporting event in the country over the weekend.
With an impressive 42-21 win over France in Bordeaux, the Red Roses’ performance was broadcast on BBC One and drew in a massive television audience of 1.9 million viewers. This peak viewership marked the largest audience for a Red Roses match since the 2017 Women’s World Cup final in Belfast. It even outperformed other major sporting events such as the World Snooker Championship and the West Ham vs. Liverpool match.
The high level of interest in the clash between England and France is a testament to the growing popularity of women’s rugby. As the two highest ranked teams in the Women’s Six Nations, their matchups have been eagerly anticipated, and their recent showdown in Bordeaux was no exception.
The significant increase in viewership demonstrates the escalating appeal of women’s rugby, particularly in the UK. The positive reception of the Red Roses’ matches throughout the championship has seen a considerable uptick in average audiences, reflecting the expanding fan base and public interest in women’s rugby.
The remarkable success of the Red Roses has also positioned the BBC as a strong contender to secure the rights for next year’s Women’s World Cup in England. The network, which has one year remaining on its four-year contract with the Women’s Six Nations, has a compelling case to continue its coverage of women’s rugby based on the heightened viewership of the Red Roses’ matches.
In addition to the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are also vying for the opportunity to become the host broadcaster for the upcoming Women’s World Cup. World Rugby, the governing body of the sport, is engaged in discussions with all three broadcasters, with the aim of finalising an agreement before the summer.
The prospect of the Women’s World Cup being held in England is viewed as a pivotal moment for women’s rugby, and the level of interest from broadcasters underscores the anticipation surrounding the tournament. World Rugby is setting the stage for what is expected to be an “era-defining” event, signalling a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s rugby on the global stage.
The Red Roses’ remarkable achievements, coupled with the escalating viewership and the upcoming Women’s World Cup, are indicative of the growing prominence and appeal of women’s rugby. As the sport continues to gain traction and recognition, the future looks bright for women’s rugby, and the Red Roses are at the forefront of this extraordinary journey.