Trophy tour stops off for a city break!

The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy will arrive in Brighton & Hove on Saturday, kicking off a whole weekend of celebrations in the city.

The trophy will go on show on Brighton & Hove's seafront, next to the i360. 

Later in the day, women’s rugby is set to reach new heights as the trophy will take a ride in the i360 pod!

Residents are invited to join in the celebrations over the weekend, enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity with the trophy, taking part in activities and spotting familiar faces from the world of rugby.

Historic moment

Council leader Bella Sankey said: “We are so excited to be welcoming the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy to the city this weekend, and we hope residents across the city will join us to celebrate this historic moment.

“We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as a host city for the prestigious tournament, which will raise the profile of women’s sport and showcase our sporting city on the world stage.”

Portraits unveiled

As part of the celebrations, stunning new artwork will go on show at the i360 as Brighton-based artist collective The Postman will unveil and sign their four iconic street-art-style player portraits. 

Commissioned for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the portraits represent players from the four countries competing in Brighton & Hove this September – England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Landmark moment

"As THE POSTMAN, being part of this collaboration is more than just creating art — it’s about capturing the raw passion of rugby and the rising power of women’s sport.” says The Postman.

“The Women’s Rugby World Cup is a landmark moment, and Brighton — with its vibrant community and spirit of inclusivity — is the perfect canvas for it. 

"It was a great creative challenge for us to adapt our usually bold, pop-art palette to the tournament’s lead colours — gold and hibiscus — and still reflect the same energy and impact.

“We’re proud to bring this story to life on the streets of our city."

Trophy tour

The trophy coming to Brighton & Hove is part of a three-week tour of England in May and June, connecting with fans and local communities in all eight RWC 2025 host locations.

The trophy will be in Brighton & Hove on Saturday 17 May and Monday 19 May, and at Haywards Heath Rugby Club on 18 May.

Fans will be able to see the trophy and enjoy the celebrations on:

• Saturday 17 May: 9.30am-12noon and 1.30pm-5pm. Photo opportunities with the trophy at the i360
• Sunday 18 May: 10am-12noon. Photo opportunities alongside the Festival of Rugby under-12s girls at Haywards Heath Rugby Club  
• Monday 19 May: 9.30am-11am. Photo opportunities and Strive 25 T1 rugby activity for over-16s girls at the i360.

Brilliant opportunity

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 managing director Sarah Massey said: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark tournament for the sport – and the trophy tour to our host locations provides a brilliant opportunity to ignite excitement across England.

“We look forward to celebrating with fans, encouraging even more people to be a part of this unforgettable tournament.”

Full details of each stop’s events and appearances, along with information about the tournament and how to get tickets, are available on the official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 website