Ireland will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017 after World Rugby awarded the hosting rights for the tournament to the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
The importance of the announcement cannot be overstated and is down to the determination of many supporters within and outside the game over recent years. Despite the success of the team it still would have been an easier option for the IRFU to sit back and let someone else host the event.
They showed courage though in putting forward a bid that will work using a tried and tested formula of facilities that worked in England and France and will exceed those tournaments in terms of local support in a little over two years time.
The pool stages will be held at University College Dublin, before the world’s top female rugby players move North to Belfast for the positional play-offs, semi-finals, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at Kingspan Stadium.
Much of the initial media comment has focused on how this will boost the IRFU’s bidding credentials when it comes to the 2023 bid for the men’s version. That is of course an important consideration but make no mistake this is a big win in its own right.
Ireland can and should be seen as a leader in terms of Women’s sport. We should be unequivocal in what we do to encourage participation and how we support the players that do take to the field, the track or the arena.
In comparison to 2023 this event will on paper be more modest in terms of the numbers of those attending, the size of the global TV audience and the ‘first glance’ appeal to global brands as partners.
But in ways just beneath the surface it can be a marker for how far we have come as a people, in the first year of the second century of our independence in the Republic, and within months of the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in the North.
Sport is about what happens on the pitch first and foremost but every now and again it can transcend that, and we can allow ourselves a little flight of fancy that the Summer of ’17 will be one such occasion.
“The Women’s Rugby World Cup continues to go from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe, with its compelling, competitive action and global profile,” said World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset making the announcement.
“With impressive results on and off the field, the IRFU is a leader in driving forward the promotion and development of women’s rugby and the union’s passion, dedication and expertise in Women’s rugby was reflected in an impressive and forward thinking bid.”
“The awarding of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 to Ireland is great news for teams and fans as the sport continues to reach out and inspire new participants in our great game. I am sure that Dublin and Belfast will prove to be popular destinations.”
A major international rugby success story, Women’s Rugby World Cup attracted capacity crowds and record broadcast audiences in the last two tournaments in France in 2014 and England in 2010.
There are now more than 1.7 million women and girls playing the sport (an increase of 20 per cent on 2014), while women’s rugby also continues to experience record growth in popularity, attendance and media exposure driven by the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Olympic Games inclusion.
Ireland has been at the forefront of the success story, winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013 and claiming the Six Nations title earlier this year. In 2014, they caused one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Rugby World Cup history when they beat four-time defending champions New Zealand in the pool stages, before going on to finish fourth – their best-ever result.
“We are delighted with today’s announcement that Irish Rugby will host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said IRFU Chief Executive, Philip Browne.
“Interest and participation in women’s rugby continues to grow and building on this momentum, we believe Ireland can deliver the best Women’s Rugby World Cup to-date.”
“We hope that the growing interest in women’s rugby in Ireland, world leading facilities at UCD, Queen’s University Sport, Kingspan Stadium and our internationally recognised reputation for being one of the world’s most welcoming nations will make an exceptional event for the entire country.
“We would like to thank World Rugby for the opportunity to host this prestigious event and look forward to working closely with them to bring the tournament to these shores.”
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD welcomed the announcement saying “I am delighted that Ireland has been chosen to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017.”
“This event is an excellent opportunity to promote women’s sport and to further raise the profile of Women’s rugby in Ireland.”
“Women’s rugby is already seeing a significant growth in popularity, thanks to the wonderful success of the Irish Women’s team in recent years. Today’s announcement is another great boost for Irish sport overall and for Women’s participation in it.”
“Another benefit of having this great event in 2017 is that we will demonstrate to the world rugby community what fantastic hosts we would be for Rugby World Cup in 2023. Work on that bid is continuing and I hope it will be as successful as this one announced today.”
“I congratulate the IRFU on winning the bid to host this important event” added Minister of State for Sport Michael Ring.
“This is great news for women’s sport and for Irish rugby. I am sure that having the World Cup take place here in Ireland will inspire more women and girls to get involved in rugby, and other sports, and that is to be welcomed.”
“I am confident that we will put on the best Women’s Rugby World Cup ever and show the world how well Ireland hosts international events.”
