England Kick Off Women’s RWC with a Thrilling Win Over USA

Prescience Media, Kevin Rademeyer

Sunderland:  The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 got off to a spectacular start on Friday as hosts and world No.1 England delivered a crushing 69-7 victory over the United States at Sunderland’s iconic Stadium of Light. With 42,723 fans in attendance, the opening match set a new record for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, showcasing the growing popularity and global reach of women’s rugby.

The Stadium of Light, home to Premier League club Sunderland, provided a fitting backdrop for the tournament’s launch. The all-seater venue, named to honor the region’s coal mining heritage, has a capacity of 49,000 and has previously hosted top-flight football matches and major music events. On Friday, it was transformed into a rugby spectacle, complete with a high-energy opening act by UK pop sensation Anne-Marie, who brought the stadium to life with empowering hits including “2002” and “Rockabye.” Fans had the opportunity to meet the singer through a special O2 Priority ballot, adding a once-in-a-lifetime fan experience to the proceedings.

England’s Red Roses were in imperious form, running in 11 tries against a brave but outclassed USA Eagles side. Ellie Kildunne, the reigning World Player of the Year, scored twice, as did Jess Breach and replacement forward Lark Atkin-Davies. Abby Dow, Amy Cokayne, Sadia Kabeya, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir, and Megan Jones all crossed the line to complete a dominant performance. England’s tactical use of close-range line-outs and clinical finishing ensured they were virtually uncatchable, building a 28-7 lead by half-time.

Coach Simon Mitchell praised his team’s performance while acknowledging that the tournament will only get tougher: “The tournament will get harder, but we have so much left in us.”

US captain Kate Zackary took positives from the encounter, noting her team capitalized on some England errors and made line-out steals, demonstrating resilience despite the heavy defeat.

The opening match was not just about the action on the field; it was also a celebration of women’s rugby. Tickets for the tournament have exceeded expectations, with more than 375,000 sold across eight venues in England, nearly tripling the total from the previous World Cup in New Zealand. The tournament also boasts record media coverage, dedicated team bases, and a focus on fan engagement, mental health, and accessibility.

The event signaled a new era for women’s rugby, combining elite sport, entertainment, and community. From Anne-Marie’s electrifying performance to the record-breaking crowd and England’s commanding display, the Sunderland opener set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable six weeks of international women’s rugby.