Free sporting fun warm up at Community Stadium this weekend before England takes on Italy
York will kick off a summer of rugby with a range of fun, free activities on Sunday (23 March) at the York Community Stadium.
Over the summer months, six of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 matches will take place in York. The opening game of the tournament will take place between England and USA on Friday 22 August at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. To celebrate hosting the games in York, this weekend the stadium will be holding a series of fun, free activities to help people get involved in rugby.
Ahead of the sold out England vs Italy Women’s Six Nations game on Sunday in York, the York Community Stadium will be hosting a wide range of activities from 12.00-2.00pm, with both match goers and non-match goers alike welcome to try their hand at rugby and join the fun.
There’ll be something for everyone no matter what your age or ability. Why not tackle walking rugby or T1 Rugby, a fun fitness session with a rugby twist, children’s kick run and pass activities or get inspired by rugby skills demonstrations from local rugby clubs.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture at City of York Council, said:
“Even if you’ve never thrown a rugby ball in your life, the activities this weekend will be a fantastic opportunity for anyone, of any age, to find out more about rugby: come and meet local clubs and learn how to get involved, enjoy the social side of the sport – and get fitter!
“We are thrilled to be hosting the Women’s Six Nations game this weekend and supporting the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this summer, showcasing the incredible talent and skill of these world-class athletes. This event marks the start of our season of sport, showcasing York’s fantastic Community Stadium and the city’s love of sport, from grassroots through to professional and international level competition”.
The activities are being organised by City of York Council, the RFU, White Rose Rugby, York RUFC Women, York RI Women, North Yorkshire Sport, University of York Women’s Rugby and the Rugby Activator from the University of York.
The event is open to anyone interested. To take part, simply turn up at the York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF between 12:00pm and 2:00pm on Sunday 23 March at the 3G pitches, with no need to book.
Anyone interested in watching any of the Women’s Rugby World Cup games can find more information, and buy tickets, at www.rugbyworldcup.com/2025/en.