World Rugby have unveiled a progressive re-branding, that sees the upcoming 2025 and 2027 Rugby World Cups embrace name changes and new logos. The neutral naming of the tournaments has now been replaced, with gender specific naming for both the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
Following the end of to Rugby World Cup 2023, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is now the next global rugby tournament to build towards. The competition will be the first to utilise World Rugby’s new ‘visual identity’, with the striking gold and white logo set to be seen across England in just under two years time. The Red Roses are the hosts of the 2025 competition, and are amongst the favourites to win the trophy after being defeated in the 2021 Final by New Zealand (played in 2022 due to the Covid pandemic).
World Rugby said the following regarding the new logo:
“The new Rugby World Cup brand mark is based on the game’s most iconic symbol, the ball, and embodies the duality of rugby by combining a clean, modern and progressive shape with the more traditional typeface that symbolises the rich history and legacy of the game. The brand mark will sit at the heart of each tournament logo, which will also capture the fundamental energy and unique visual and cultural symbolism of the host nation.”
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “The hope is that our new brand identity will attract and engage a new generation of young people to Rugby World Cup. We have created a brand that will come to life in a digital world, while reflecting the changing nature of sport and society, making Rugby World Cup more accessible and relevant to more people worldwide.”
The World Rugby statement continued, and explained the reasons behind changing the naming conventions of the upcoming Rugby World Cups.
“In addition to the new logo, Rugby World Cup has also updated its host naming convention to now include Women’s and Men’s. The decision aims to promote unity across the tournament and provide clarity and consistency for fans. As the pinnacle of both the men’s and women’s 15s game, Rugby World Cup’s progressive approach to naming gives both genders equal billing, in line with World Rugby’s commitment to equality and inclusivity in the sport.”
Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney, said: “We’re really pleased that in hosting the tournament in England in 2025 we are establishing so many firsts for the Rugby World Cup. We believe hosting this tournament across England will be transformational for the women’s and girls’ game, bringing thousands of players, volunteers and spectators to our sport.”
Speaking at the Rugby World Cup and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 unveil, RWC 2014 winner Maggie Alphonsi said: “There is a special energy that surrounds a Rugby World Cup, I’ve been privileged to experience three Rugby World Cups as a player and now as a commentator and fan. I wholeheartedly believe that Rugby World Cups have the power to alter people’s lives, creating lifelong ‘I was there’ memories, that become part of the fabric of your life story. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be a generational moment for rugby and I’m incredibly excited for what’s to come.”