Sports and leisure

Rugby World Cup 2025

York was selected as one of the host cities for 6 thrilling matches duriing the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The 6 matches in York were:

  • Canada v Fiji, Saturday 23 August
  • New Zealand v Spain, Sunday 24 August
  • USA v Australia, Saturday 30 August
  • Italy v South Africa, Sunday 31 August
  • USA v Samoa, Saturday 6 September
  • Japan v Spain, Sunday 7 September 2025

These matches took place at York Community Stadium.

The Rugby World Cup final takes place on Saturday 27 September. For those interested in attending remaining fixtures, you can purchase tickets online.

Women’s and girls rugby in York

There are 3 rugby clubs for women and girls in York:

York RI RUFC

Website: https://yorkri.rfu.club

New Lane,
York,
YO24 4NT

Training sessions:

  • Tuesdays - adult women's training, 7.00pm to 8.30pm
  • Wednesdays - adult mixed touch rugby, 6.45pm to 8.00pm
  • Sundays - adult women's ad hoc training and games as well as junior mixed training at 9.30am to 10.30am

Read more about the York RI RUFC Women's Team

York RUFC

Website: www.yorkrufc.co.uk

Clifton Park,
Shipton Road,
York,
YO30 5RE

Training sessions:

  • Tuesdays - adult mixed touch rugby, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Wednesdays - adult women's training, 7.15pm to 8.30pm (free pizza after), as well as junior girls (under 12s to under 16s), 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Thursdays - adult mixed touch rugby, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Sundays - adult women's games

Read more about the York RUFC Women's Team

Read more about the York RUFC Girl's Team

Nestle Rowntree RUFC

Website: nestlerowntreerufc.co.uk

White Rose Ave,
New Earswick,
York YO32 4AG

Nestle Rowntree RUFC have launched their junior section, starting with a Girls U14 Team.

Strive 25 - T1 rugby sessions

The main goal of Strive 25 - T1 Rugby programme is to increase the involvement of girls and women in rugby, during and after the esteemed World Cup tournament.

We aspire to engage individuals who may not have previously viewed rugby as a suitable sport for themselves, particularly focusing on beginners and those returning to the game.

Our commitment lies in creating an atmosphere filled with fun, fitness, and friendship.

Free sessions across the city:

  • Mondays from 7.30pm to 8.00pm - York Sports Club (York RUFC), Clifton Park, Shipton Road, YO30 5RE
  • Wednesdays from 6.00pm to 7.00pm - New Earswick Rec, Hawthorn Terrace, YO32 4BL
  • Fridays from 10.00am to 11.00am - Rowntree Park by Millennium Bridge, Butcher Terrace, York, YO23 1LS

Also see

Sport and Active Leisure Team

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Telephone: 01904 553372