Karen Carney, a revered figure in women’s football, has thrown her support behind the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup. Expressing hope that it will replicate the transformative impact of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Carney, who earned her last of 144 caps for England in 2019, believes that the Rugby World Cup has the potential to leave a lasting legacy similar to that of the Lionesses’ historic victory two summers ago.
The Lionesses’ triumph under Sarina Wiegman, capped by their unforgettable win at a packed Wembley Stadium. Marked a significant moment for women’s football in England. Carney sees similar possibilities for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will culminate at Twickenham in 2025. In what is expected to be the largest crowd ever for a women’s rugby match. England’s journey in the tournament will begin at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on August 22, adding to the growing excitement.
The Red Roses, currently the world’s top-ranked team, are poised to take center stage, and Carney believes the parallels with the Lionesses’ success are evident.
“I witnessed the impact of the Euros on women’s football, and hosting another major tournament like this is incredible.” Carney said after World Rugby announced an exclusive UK broadcast partnership with the BBC for the event. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to serve as a catalyst, create a lasting legacy, and boost participation in women’s rugby.”
Carney emphasized the ambitious goals of the tournament, which include encouraging 100,000 more people to take up women’s rugby. “The tournament’s reach across England makes it more accessible. With matches at venues like the Stadium of Light, Exeter, York, and Brighton. It’s a tremendous opportunity for fans to witness these amazing athletes in action, and I’m thrilled to see it happen,” she added.
Beyond rugby, Carney highlighted the broader significance of the tournament for women’s sports. “We’ve seen over the past 12-18 months, particularly during the Olympics, just how incredible female athletes are. This tournament is crucial for continuing that momentum,” she noted.
The Stadium of Light, which saw nearly 42,000 fans turn out for the Lionesses’ match against Scotland last September. Is expected to provide another memorable atmosphere for the Red Roses. Carney is particularly excited about the potential impact of a global tournament on home soil, especially in the North East. A region known for producing top talent like Jill Scott and Lucy Bronze.
“This area has a rich history of producing exceptional talent and creating electric atmospheres in stadiums, as we saw when the Lionesses were last here,” Carney said. “I’ve played alongside many fierce competitors from this region, and I can’t imagine the Red Roses’ opener being anything less than spectacular. It will be a noisy, joyous occasion.”
Carney, who recently stepped down from her role with Sky Sports, has been an advocate for growth of women’s sports. In 2023, she co-authored a review into the future of women’s football, predicting the sport could become a billion-pound industry. While women’s rugby may not yet be at that level, Carney has seen firsthand the dedication of England’s rugby trailblazers and hopes that a home World Cup victory can serve as a springboard for further growth.
Reflecting on her own experience with rugby, Carney shared, “I did some rugby training mainly to build strength for football. I trained with Sarah Hunter, Mo Hunt, and Emily Scarratt, and I was in awe of them and their journey. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Carney also admired the determination of these athletes, many of whom balanced their sporting careers with full-time jobs. “I know how challenging it can be in women’s sports, and this World Cup is a crucial step towards continuing positive change and moving in the right direction,” she concluded.
As the countdown to the Women’s Rugby World Cup begins, Carney’s endorsement adds to the anticipation of an event that promises to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans alike, just as the Lionesses did two years ago.
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