Crowd Network is partnering with World Rugby to produce The Official Rugby World Cup 2025 Podcast presented by Asahi Super Dry ahead of the tournament in England.
It marks the first official podcast dedicated to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, following the men’s tournament coverage in 2023.
Episodes will be released every Wednesday throughout the competition, which begins on 22 August, with Asahi Super Dry as headline sponsor.
The podcast will be hosted by sports broadcaster Betty Glover and rugby advocate Anne Onwusiri. Guests will include England Red Roses star Ellie Kildunne, named 2024 World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, alongside pundits, former players such as Shaunagh Brown, and a number of rugby influencers.
Betty Glover is already a familiar face and voice to sports fans, appearing on BBC programmes including Final Score and Football Focus, reporting on the Women’s Super League for BBC Radio 5 Live, and contributing to BBC Sport’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2023 Netball World Cup.
Anne Onwusiri is founder of Black Girls Ruck RFC, the UK’s first rugby team for Black women and non-binary players and has been recognised for advancing diversity in the sport, including a nomination for the Changemaker Award at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards.
World Rugby’s Chief Communications Officer Dominic Rumbles said women’s sport is “driving the reach, value, and impact of sport worldwide” and described the 2025 tournament as the “biggest year yet for women’s rugby”.
He added that the podcast will “capture that same bold spirit through great storytelling, insight, and debate”.
Louise Gwilliam, Talent Manager at Crowd Network, said: “It’s a huge year for women’s sports in the UK, and we’re right at the heart of it.
“Our women’s sports podcasts have gone from strength to strength, and it’s a real privilege to be partnering with World Rugby on its official podcast for this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“Hosting a home tournament is an incredible opportunity for women’s rugby in this country, and we challenge brands to rise to the occasion by meaningfully investing into women’s sports to facilitate its continued growth.”
The Official Rugby World Cup 2025 Podcast presented by Asahi Super Dry will be available on all major podcast platforms from 13 August.
