Abbie Ward Eyes 2025 World Cup Glory for England

Abbie Ward the Bristol Bears lock is optimistic about 2025 and eager for England to create a legacy by winning the Rugby World Cup on home soil. While England has dominated the Six Nations, winning the last six editions, they have struggled to replicate that success on the world stage. England last lifted the World Cup in 2014 and finished as runners-up in the last two editions.

With the 2025 World Cup hosted in England, Ward hopes her team can follow in the footsteps of the Lionesses, who won Euro 2022 at home. Ward emphasized that winning the World Cup remains England’s top priority but she also wants to grow the game and establish a lasting legacy. She pointed to the Lionesses’ impact on girls’ football which inspired 129,000 more girls to play school football and believes rugby can experience similar growth.

Ward, who has represented England at two Rugby World Cups has seen significant progress in domestic rugby. When she first started, she had to pay to play but professional contracts and increased athleticism have transformed the game. The rise of sponsorships and media attention has also helped elevate the women’s game in England. Although most England internationals now play professionally, many players in the Premier 15s League (PWR) still hold second jobs.

The league’s #PoweredDifferently campaign celebrates dual-career athletes such as Abbie Ward’s teammate Simi Pam, a doctor and other players who balance their rugby careers with jobs in various fields. Additionally, the arrival of American rugby star Ilona Maher in December signals growth for the PWR. Maher a social media sensation and Olympic bronze medalist is set to make her debut for Bristol against Gloucester-Hartpury. The match, a repeat of last season’s final has moved to Ashton Gate due to high ticket demand.