Sunderland welcomed Women's Rugby World Cup with unforgettable opening match

The match was more than a game - it was a landmark moment for Sunderland and for women's rugby. Adding to the excitement, the city hosted three days of celebrations in Keel Square, where the Fan Village created a festival atmosphere right in the heart of the city centre.

The build-up began on Thursday 21 August, with the Fan Village showcasing a line-up of female-led live music organised by Music City.

On match day, the Fan Village was buzzing with food, drink, and rugby-themed activities including pass speed and accuracy challenges, jump height tests, and a reaction wall. From midday, live tribute acts including Rock DJ, Mac Busted, Re-Take That, and Royal Rhapsody entertained thousands of fans. Then Keel Square became the starting point for a colourful community parade, as 500 performers led crowds towards the Stadium of Light.

Not forgetting fans having the chance to walk across the new Keel Crossing which opened for one day only for the event.

Global pop star Anne-Marie wowed the crowd with a special performance during the opening ceremony, setting the stage for a night to remember. After the final whistle, a spectacular firework display lit up the Wearside sky, closing the occasion in dazzling fashion.

Among the many highlights of the celebrations was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Sunderland's own Leon O'Connor Ahmadi, winner of the 2025 Sunderland Young Achievers' Award. Leon, a 15-year-old school leader and community champion, was chosen to go backstage for an exclusive stadium tour and to preview Anne-Marie's rehearsal.

Leon, who has overcome significant challenges to become a role model for his peers, was recently named overall Young Achiever of the Year as well as the recipient of the Achievement in Learning award.

Reflecting on his World Cup experience, Leon said: "It was a great experience. I haven't ever been behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light and I think it's unbelievable how they've changed everything for the Premiership and it's been done up. Walking through the tunnel I felt like a player, that was my favourite part. The new artwork is amazing, I've heard it's meant to scare the away teams when they arrive, which is cool. Anne-Marie's performance was excellent... it was good to be one of the only people to see her before her performance on Friday."

Leon was also able to attend the match on Friday night and added: "The match was unbelievable. It felt like the players just went up and down the pitch scoring trys left, right and centre... it has converted me to rugby. I stayed until the very final whistle it was that good."

The celebrations continued on Saturday 23 August, when Sunniside Market relocated to Keel Square for a day-long festival of local talent and creativity. Families and visitors enjoyed music, entertainment, and a variety of family-friendly activities, rounding off a vibrant programme that showcased Sunderland's community spirit.

Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "Hosting the opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup has been a fantastic opportunity for Sunderland to shine on the world stage. We've welcomed visitors from across the globe, many experiencing our city for the first time. The event is expected to have brought a £20m boost to the local economy."

Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, added: "Sunderland has always been passionate about sport, and last week the world saw that passion in action. The Women's Rugby World Cup is not only about elite competition - it's about community, inclusion and inspiration. It was wonderful to see people of all ages and backgrounds joining together to celebrate this historic occasion."