Support for women’s game growing as PWR heads into new season

As Exeter Chiefs Women head into a new PWR season, YouGov statistics have revealed the fan base for the professional women’s game in England is growing.

The PWR saw the largest uplift in interest for any rugby competition, including the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, in the latter half of last season.

YouGov identified several groups of rugby fans and measured their interest in two waves. Wave 1 ran in November and December in 2023 and wave 2 in May and June this year.

Almost two-thirds of the ‘Rugby Fan’ group, which consisted of people interested in men’s and women’s rugby union, were interested in the PWR competition while those who described themselves as “extremely interested” tripled between wave 1 and wave 2.

Younger people are leading the way in their support for the PWR, with YouGov’s statistics revealing a rise in interest from 18 to 24-year-olds and 25 to 34-year-olds.

The number of males and females who are fans of the PWR both increased since wave 1, with the competition still more popular among males. The total size of the PWR fanbase now stands at 5.3 million, up from 4.5 million in wave 1.

‘PWR Followers’ are more likely to attend the game with teammates, while 51% of ‘Avid Fans’ and 34% of ‘PWR Followers’ attend games with their family, and almost half of ‘Avid Fans’ attend matches with their partner or spouse.

Exeter Chiefs’ head of sales and communications Sam Blake said: “We have found these statistics really encouraging and we’re obviously delighted to see the rise in interest in the women’s competition.

“Our supporters already know our players are wonderful and that the game is thoroughly entertaining, but we expect to gain more fans as we head towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup being hosted in England in 2025.

“This season is huge for the women’s game at both domestic and international levels with players hoping to be involved in the World Cup using the PWR to ensure they’re in contention for selection for their home nations. We’re only too happy to have a share of them here at Sandy Park, which is also a venue for the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, statistics from Premiership Rugby have revealed that Exeter Chiefs men have the highest proportion of female fans attending Gallagher Premiership games at a home ground in the league.

Blake added: “It seems women in the South West are blazing a trail for rugby in the South West, as both supporters and players. We’re excited to see what this season brings.”

Exeter Chiefs Women’s PWR season begins on October 7 against Harlequins with their first game at Sandy Park against Leicester Tigers Women on October 13 (KO 15:00).

Sandy Park will host pool matches and two quarter-final in the Women’s Rugby World Cup that will run from August 22 to September 27, 2025.

Tickets will range from £5 to £95 across the tournament, with more than 60 per cent of tickets under £25 and children’s prices available at every match. Fans can register for free online to enter the presale for these tickets on September 24.