Entain: World Cup is a “breakout moment” for women’s rugby

Entain has revealed the women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) has been record-breaking for the London-listed operator, with betting interest in the tournament surging.

The 2025 WRWC final takes place this weekend, with host nation England preparing to take on Canada at Twickenham.

Entain said total stakes placed on the tournament had increased by more than 160% since the 2021 edition, which was held in 2022 due to Covid.

The Ladbrokes Coral parent company noted this year’s competition is also six times more popular than the 2025 women’s Six Nations, which was held in March and April.

Eight of the top 10 most popular women’s rugby events in Entain’s history have come from the 2025 WRWC alone, with both semi-finals ranking in the top three.

England’s 35-17 win over France in Bristol also surpassed the 2022 final, Entain added.

The increase in betting interest comes as the 82,000-seater Twickenham has sold out for the final, while more than seven million people watched the tournament group stages on the BBC.

Additionally, 440,000 tickets were sold for the tournament, which is more than three times the number sold at the previous WRWC.

Andrew Wildig, Entain head of rugby, said: “With rising media coverage, a growing number of standout athletes and the excitement of a domestic tournament, women’s rugby has had a breakout moment this summer, and the momentum we’re seeing mirrors the rise of women’s football in 2022.

“The New Zealand versus Canada semi-final was a particularly big moment for us. For a game with no home nation or patriotic support to be our third highest grossing women’s rugby game of all time was a real eye opener.

“With more funding in the sport now, leading to a superb on-field product, we believe it has the potential to carve out a bigger spotlight in Entain’s sporting calendar in the years to come.”

Last month, Entain data revealed tennis is now the second most popular in-play betting sport in both the UK and the US.

The post Entain: World Cup is a “breakout moment” for women’s rugby first appeared on EGR Intel.

 Operator says betting interest in the tournament has skyrocketed compared to three years ago, with England reaching the final and increased TV coverage cited as key drivers
The post Entain: World Cup is a “breakout moment” for women’s rugby first appeared on EGR Intel.