New Women's Rugby World Cup Trophy visits Bristol as part of nationwide tour

The newly unveiled trophy visited Clifton Observatory, overlooking the dramatic landscape of Clifton Suspension Bridge, where it was welcomed by Red Rose and Bristol Bears’ Sarah Bern, teammate and Wales international Jas Joyce and World Rugby’s Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox.

Ashton Gate, the home of the Bristol Bears, will be at the heart of the tournaments action this summer, hosting four thrilling knock-out matches – two crucial quarter-finals and both semi-finals, staging the decider for who will battle it out for glory.

Crafted in sterling silver and plated with 24-carat gold, the new trophy is a bold, modern expression of the game’s growth and ambition. Blending heritage with innovation, it retains twin handles similar in design to the previous trophy but introduces a sleek, oval silhouette. The base is engraved with the names of past champions, while a world map etched onto the surface celebrates the sport’s global reach.

Sarah Bern, England and Bristol Bears’ tighthead prop, said: "The tournament is the epitome of rugby, it's the biggest thing that happens. Having the best teams and the best athletes battle it out to win the new trophy is really exciting. There's going to be such a buzz around the city.

I can't wait for the whole city to get behind the tournament. Tickets are back on sale and we are very grateful for everyone that's coming to support, no matter what team you're backing".

Jas Joyce, Wales internationalist and teammate with Bern at Bears added: "Every time we play at Ashton Gate it's absolutely bouncing. You can feel the energy through the stadium and it's a really brilliant atmosphere for players and fans".

Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby, said: "Rugby World Cup 2025 is an era-defining tournament. It will raise the bar on the pitch for the standard of elite women's rugby, and off the pitch through the professional infrastructure around it, treating the teams with the recognition they deserve and treating the players as the elite athletes that they are.

Empowering real change in communities, including here in Bristol and the West, is also at the heart of the tournament, leaving a powerful legacy and inspiring future generations".

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is already breaking records, with over 300,000 tickets sold – more than double the attendance of the 2021 edition in New Zealand. With the tournament on track to be the biggest and most impactful in history, demand is higher than ever.

Tickets are now back on general sale at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. For full fixture details and the latest updates, visit rugbyworldcup.com/2025