As a longtime rugby enthusiast who's covered multiple World Cups, I find myself reflecting on that old sports adage I once heard from a basketball coach: "It is what it is." That phrase perfectly captures the raw, unpredictable nature of women's rugby that first hooked me years ago. The Women's Rugby World Cup represents not just a tournament but a celebration of how far this sport has evolved since its humble beginnings. Having followed the competition since the 1990s, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation from amateur contests to the professional spectacle we enjoy today.
The numbers alone tell an incredible story. Did you know that viewership for the 2021 World Cup final reached approximately 4.8 million global viewers? That's nearly triple the audience from just eight years prior. What really excites me about these tournaments is watching nations like England and New Zealand dominate while emerging teams like Italy and Spain continue to close the gap. The talent pool has expanded dramatically - we're seeing more countries developing professional pathways for female players than ever before. I remember when women's rugby struggled for recognition, but now we're seeing legitimate superstars emerge who can actually make a living from the sport. The physicality and skill level have reached heights I never imagined possible when I first started covering this sport.
One aspect I particularly love tracking is the evolution of playing styles across different nations. The New Zealand Black Ferns have consistently impressed me with their fluid, attacking rugby, while England's Red Roses have perfected a more structured, forward-dominated approach. This clash of philosophies creates fascinating tactical battles that keep me glued to the screen. The 2021 tournament featured what I consider one of the greatest finals ever played, with England and New Zealand combining for 11 tries in an absolute thriller. Moments like these demonstrate why women's rugby deserves the same attention and respect as the men's game. The athleticism on display is simply breathtaking - these athletes are pushing physical boundaries in ways we haven't seen before.
Looking ahead to future tournaments, I'm particularly excited about the growth potential in non-traditional rugby markets. The inclusion of teams like South Africa and the United States signals the global expansion I've been hoping to see for decades. What many casual fans don't realize is that women's rugby actually boasts higher scoring games on average compared to the men's tournament - approximately 5.2 tries per game versus 4.1 in the men's competition over the past three World Cup cycles. This attacking flair makes for incredibly entertaining viewing that appeals to both hardcore fans and newcomers alike. The community surrounding women's rugby has this infectious energy that I find absolutely captivating - there's a sense that we're all witnessing something special unfold.
Ultimately, the Women's Rugby World Cup embodies that "it is what it is" mentality - embracing the beautiful chaos and unpredictability that makes rugby so compelling. Having followed this journey from relative obscurity to global recognition, I can confidently say we're entering a golden era for women's rugby. The combination of increased investment, media coverage, and grassroots participation creates a perfect storm for continued growth. What started as my professional interest has become a genuine passion - there's nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of a packed stadium during a World Cup semifinal. These tournaments aren't just competitions; they're milestones marking the incredible progress of women's sports worldwide.