A piece of sporting history is being celebrated at the University of Sunderland.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy, last won by England in September 2025, is being proudly displayed throughout the day (Monday 16 February) at CitySpace on the University’s City Campus.
Sunderland is the only university in the UK that is displaying the trophy as part of its tour around the country.
Students, staff and the wider city community have been given the opportunity to get their photo taken with the trophy won by the Red Roses after they defeated Canada at Twickenham.
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup opening game was hosted by the City of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light where a packed crowd witnessed England’s 69-7 victory against the USA.
Pupils from Southmoor Academy and Christ’s College also had a chance to pose with the trophy, as well as enjoy a game of touch rugby in the University’s sports hall and meet Team Sunderland’s female rugby players.
Sean Percival, Sport Performance and Activities Development Manager at the University of Sunderland, said: “It’s been fantastic to see students and staff at the University as well as the city to come together and celebrate this piece of English sporting history. The city did a fantastic job hosting the opening fixture, it was an incredible day to be a part of and showcased the best of Sunderland.
“The University of Sunderland has always supported developing female sport; this is proven by the number of females we have representing the University every year. The Women’s Rugby World Cup has proved a real catalyst for a boom in females taking part in Rugby Union. Our women’s team has gone from strength to strength this season and we look forward to continuing to support the development of sportswomen during their time studying here.”
Team Sunderland offers a wide range of sporting opportunities across the University. They look after over 30 clubs that compete both nationally and locally and oversee the management of community outreach, elite and performance sport, participation and many other projects. For more information on Team Sunderland, visit: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/student-life/team-sunderland
