Mud, mud, glorious mud...Since the first tournament in 1991 the Women's Rugby World Cup has been the catalyst for the tremendous growth in the women's game world wide. In England, as of the 2007/2008 season, there were 567 affiliated clubs playing rugby (senior and youth) and 12,302 women and girls playing the game.
In 2006 England reached the final of the Rugby World Cup, losing 25-17 to New Zealand. England are the reigning RBS 6 Nations triple Grand Slam Champions, European Cup and Nations Cup champions.
Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to host this great event. Hosting an international rugby tournament in London will be great for the growth and profile of women’s rugby. We have had some great support from UK Sport and Visit London and this has helped strengthen our bid. The infrastructure is in place at the RFU and we will host a world class tournament for players and spectators alike.”
England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street said: “This is fantastic news, not only for the England team, but it’s a real reward for all of the RFUW’s members and volunteers who have worked tirelessly within the game for a number of years.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “'Women's rugby has been growing over the last few years, so it’s splendid news that London is to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2010. There is strong support for the women's game in London, and England are a triple Grand Slam winning team, so here's to a successful as well as exciting tournament in two years' time.”