A “TRANSFORMATIONAL” legacy programme for next year’s Women’s World Cup in England could help the Rugby Football Union (RFU) achieve its ambition of 100,000 female players by 2027.

Impact ’25 has already seen more than £12 million committed to the sport in England and the home unions by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Funding began during the 2022-23 season, and over £3m has so far been invested in 655 clubs nationwide, with more than 1,200 coaches and match officials supported, and almost 350 clubs have received grants to start under-12s activity.