Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Sunderland
Thousands gathered for the opening game and to watch the fireworks display after
The eyes of the world were on Sunderland as it kicked off the biggest ever Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament in spectacular style on Friday night.
The World Cup opener saw almost 43,000 fans from across the globe pack into the Stadium of Light to watch the Red Roses take on the American Eagles.
Leader of Sunderland Council, Councillor Michael Mordey, said: “It’s been a brilliant night. Hosting the Women’s Rugby has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything our city has to offer on the international stage, and it’s one that the people of Sunderland have embraced wholeheartedly.
“From knitted red roses to more than 500 people taking part in the spectacular community fan parade, it’s been fantastic to see so many people from across our communities and businesses getting behind this incredible event.
“Events of this scale don’t just bring pride, they bring real benefits - with the opening match alone expected to deliver a more than £20m boost to the North East economy.”