Ashton Gate and Sandy Park to hold pick of the knockout games at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

Ashton Gate Stadium, the home of Bristol Bears and Bristol City FC, will host both semi-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 when the biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby comes to England.

World Rugby today confirmed that Ashton Gate will be the premier knock-out venue for the 10th edition of the global tournament, hosting not only the two semi-finals but also two of the four quarter-finals. The other two quarter-finals will be held at Exeter Chiefs' ground Sandy Park which pla yed host to the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby final on Saturday, with Gloucester-Hartpury beating Bristol Bears Women 36-24.

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The quarter-finals will take place on the weekend of September 13th and the semi-finals on the weekend of September 19th to decide the finalists for Twickenham Stadium on September 27th.

Ashton Gate’s selection confirms its status as a premier women’s sports venue in England. This follows the 26,169 sell-out Lionesses’ Arnold Clark football double-header in February 2023 and this March’s record attendance of 19,705 for the Red Roses game against Wales. The Red Roses will play in Northampton and Brighton and Hove during the pool stages, with the potential to play their quarter-final match at Ashton Gate should they progress.

Ross Wormald, Operations Director for Ashton Gate Ltd, said: “It’s an honour for the Stadium to be hosting four of the six knockout games in the world’s top women’s rugby tournament. Ashton Gate is firmly established as a leading international sports venue with a track record of delivering world-class events. We have a highly skilled and committed staff and preparations are well underway to ensure that we deliver the best experience for fans, players and coaches come September 2025.”

Bristol Bears and England international Lark Atkin-Davies added: “Ashton Gate is a fantastic stadium. It’s always amazing, whether I’m wearing a Bears or an England jersey – the fans are unreal. The noise and the atmosphere does go to another level when I’m playing for Red Roses so to have my home stadium confirmed as a World Cup quarter-final and semi-final venue next year is going to be incredible. I just hope I’ll get to run out in front of a home crowd!”

Gavin Marshall, CEO of the Bristol Sport Group and Bears Women Board Member, said: “We are proud to have been selected by World Rugby to host both semi-finals along with two quarter-finals.

“Our sporting group is firmly focused on making a collective positive impact on the local community. We have been committed to leading the way for women’s sporting events at club and international level in both rugby and football.

“Rugby World Cup 2025 will inspire the next generation of young players and we are delighted that Ashton Gate will help do that by showcasing the world’s top stars.”

Bindu Arjoon, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, added: “It’s great news that Exeter has been chosen as a host city for quarter-finals matches as well as pool matches.

“Fans are now being urged to register their interest ahead of tickets going on sale next month and I have no doubt that large numbers of people will do so.

“The Women’s Rugby World Cup is going to have a major impact for Exeter. It will encourage participation in sport, particularly for women and girls, and it will place our city firmly in the global spotlight. It will be fantastic for Exeter, and we very much look forward to welcoming the tournament to the city.”