SUNDERLAND has been announced as a host city for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.

The Stadium of Light will be the second biggest venue to host games - after Twickenham - with Sunderland's home one of eight confirmed stadia selected, to the delight of club and city chiefs.

The club's chief operating officer, Steve Davison said: “Following an exceptional summer of events, including sell-out shows from global superstars Beyonce and P!NK, it is with immense pride that the City of Sunderland is announced as the host city for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

“The Stadium of Light continues to cement itself as the premier destination for elite women’s sport, with our World Cup finalist Lionesses’ also celebrating their homecoming on Wearside on September 22. The RWC 2025 is the latest milestone that we hope continues to forge a legacy that empowers and inspires all within our regional community for many years to come.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is a fantastic announcement that will be welcomed by sports fans across the region. The city of Sunderland and the Stadium of Light will be once again seen on the world stage hosting a World Cup.

“Women’s rugby – like women’s sport in general – is growing in popularity, so to be able to support the England International Team at the Stadium of Light is an opportunity we know people locally will enjoy, and we’re looking forward to welcoming fans from across the world to Sunderland.”

The Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium, Bristol City's Ashton Gate, Sandy Park in Exeter, the Salford Community Stadium in Manchester, Franklin's Gardens in Northampton and the York Community Stadium are the other confirmed venues.

The 10th edition of the women's tournament will run from August 22 to September 27 in 2025, with the full match schedule and ticketing details to be announced next year.

Canada, England, France and New Zealand have already qualified for 2025 World Cup after finishing in the top four of RWC 2021, with the remaining positions to be filled via World Rugby’s new women’s international 15s tournament, WXV, and regional competitions in 2024.

England will be looking to rebound from their final disappointment at the last World Cup, which smashed records across the board with more than 150,000 fans attending and with 1.8 million viewers on average in England and New Zealand tuning into the final.

Organisers say the 2025 tournament aims to continue to raise the bar for women in rugby, inspiring the next generation of young players. The Rugby World Cup Impact Programme, delivered by the RFU in partnership with the UK Government and Sport England, will also create more opportunities for females than ever before across all levels of the game through its volunteer, coaching and internship programmes.