Albion players make rugby dreams come true for International Women’s Day
Players from Brighton & Hove Albion women’s team have helped to make dreams come true for 10 rugby fans.
Maria Thorisdottir and Guro Bergsvand, alongside Manjinder Nagra representing British Asian Women in Rugby, drew names out of a hat to give 10 lucky winners tickets to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 matches.
The competition winners were nominated for the draw following an appeal by the council to find worthy recipients for the coveted tickets – people who have inspired others, overcome challenges or made a difference to the lives of those around them.
Nominees ranged from charity workers and carers to sports club volunteers and rising rugby stars.
Each winner will receive a pair of tickets to watch either England vs Australia or Ireland vs New Zealand at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium in September.
The perfect way to celebrate women's sport in the city
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Advisor for Community Engagement, said: “Holding the Rugby World Cup ticket draw at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium to mark International Women’s Day is a perfect way to celebrate women’s sport across the city.
“Maria and Guro and their teammates at Brighton & Hove Albion are already inspiring more women and girls to get involved with football, building on the successful 2022 Women’s Euros which saw England’s Lionesses playing at the stadium on their way to becoming European champions.
“Now we have an opportunity for women’s rugby and the Red Roses to take centre stage, providing another positive legacy for the city.”
World Cup will inspire a new generation of players
Albion defender Guro Bergsvand said: “At Brighton & Hove Albion we’re passionate about encouraging girls and women to become more active and experience the huge benefits of playing sport.
“Hosting a second major women’s sporting event here in Brighton & Hove will not only give fans a chance to see some of the world’s top players in action but will also inspire a whole new generation of players.”
Thousands of tickets for the matches have already been snapped up, with rugby fans from all 4 teams not wanting to miss the opportunity of a lifetime.
Truly deserved
Councillor Alexander added: “With such a high demand for the Brighton & Hove matches, we wanted to make sure that our complimentary tickets went to people who truly deserved a place in the crowd.
“We were delighted with the response and the heart-warming stories behind the nominations. We just wish we had enough tickets for everyone who was nominated.”
Tickets for the Brighton & Hove games are currently on sale.
For more information visit: Tickets | Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.