This day last year the world of rugby was focused on what was happening in Paris as we reached finals day of the most successful Women’s Rugby World Cup to date.
By finals day the tournament had already captured the imagination both of the host country and millions around the world, eclipsing all 2010 records with sell-out crowds and record TV audiences.
Throughout the tournament everyone talked about the compelling and competitive rugby, while commentators talked about the intensity in the game. Paris was the place to be in August 2014!
I remember being in Paris ahead of the opening matches and the air of anticipation was something special. Players and coaches talked about being ready, all preparation was done, ‘we just want to get kicked off’ was the consensus. They certainly backed that up by what was produced on the pitch.
The pinnacle event captured the imaginations of the host country right from day one. Over one million viewers tuned in live in France alone, smashing 2010 records right from the start. And they were treated with an impressive performance as the French team kicked off the tournament with a bonus point win over Wales. One of the highlights of that game was a perfectly weighted cross-field kick by Sandrine Agricole, gathered and finished by Marion Lievre.
It is often said a tournament needs a surprise result to really bring it to life. Well that was certainly delivered by Ireland as they defeated the four-time defending world champions New Zealand in an epic encounter on day two. It left the tournament wide open with no less than seven teams fighting for one of four semi-final spots going into the final round of pool matches.
Demand for tickets
Hosts France secured top place in their pool with a win over Australia and Ireland came away top of their pool with a win over Kazakhstan. A nail-biter between eventual finalists England and Canada ended in a draw, ensuring they were both through to the semis as pool winners and best runner up respectively with no place for 2010 champions New Zealand.
The tournament moved to the beautiful Stade Jean Bouin in Paris. I still remember the clamour for tickets as demand exceeded availability.
The buzz and enthusiasm was incredible and the atmosphere electric. Eventual champions England demonstrated their intent in a very impressive semi-final performance as they defeated Ireland. The second semi saw the hosts in control at half-time but one of the tries of the tournament, scored by Magali Harvey after a 90-metre run in 12 seconds, helped secure a first ever final appearance for Canada. That try went on to be shortlisted for the IRPA Try of the Year award.
After finishing as runners-up in the three previous World Cup finals, England finally came away world champions in Paris – 20 years after they first took the title. They did not have it all their own way on the day and there was little between the two teams for much of the game. While Danielle Waterman opened the scoring with a try for England, Harvey and Emily Scarratt traded kicks at goal with Scarratt’s kicking success rate being compared to that of one Jonny Wilkinson. It was Scarratt who also shook off tackles in the closing stages and crossed the line to put the result beyond any doubt. As the final whistle blew, England were the new world champions and the celebrations began.
The stars of the event enjoyed front page news and images around the world. Women’s rugby had reached new heights and enjoyed a higher profile thanks to the hard work and commitment of stars both on and off the pitch.
The growth continues
While we reminisce on a wonderful Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014, it is hard to believe it is already a year ago. In that time, more than 175,000 girls have played for the first time around the world through the Get Into Rugby programme.
We are also one year closer to rugby sevens making its debut at the Olympic Games in Rio and eight of the 12 places have already been filled in that time. While New Zealand, Canada, Australia and England (Great Britain) as the top four in the World Series secured their places, the USA - who had narrowly missed out to England on point differential for fourth spot - went on to win the North American qualifier while intriguing encounters in South America and Europe saw Colombia and France book their places at Rio 2016.
We look forward to the remaining regional qualifiers in Oceania, Asia and Africa later this year.
The Women’s Six Nations goes from strength to strength and a closely-fought competition saw Ireland emerge as champions, albeit only on point differential from France with Italy – who missed out on the World Cup – winning three matches to finish a best-ever third. A few months later four of the world’s top teams came together in Canada for the Women’s Super Series with England, New Zealand and USA joining hosts Canada. The Black Ferns produced a clean sweep, including world champions England, to secure the inaugural title. Meanwhile in Asia, Japan won the Asian Championship for the first time with wins over Kazakhstan and Hong Kong.
For Women’s Rugby World Cup organisers, attention quickly moved to the next edition of the event which will take place in 2017 to better fit in the global competition calendar and Ireland were announced as hosts in May. As the new hosts get preparations started for the showpiece event, they will get a taste of welcoming nations from around the world this weekend as they host the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series Qualifier with the top two of 12 securing core status for the 2015-16 Series.