**Pop Star Anne-Marie Set to Ignite Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Opening Ceremony**
Global pop star Anne-Marie will headline the highly anticipated Opening Show of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 as confirmed today by World Rugby and O2, setting the stage for a landmark event in women’s sport. The singer, renowned for chart-topping tracks like ‘2002’, ‘Friends’, and ‘Rockabye’, has been chosen to launch the tournament’s festivities at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday, 22 August, when England’s national side face the USA in the opening match.
Produced in partnership with entertainment giants Live Nation, this musical spectacle is designed to kick off six weeks of sporting excellence across the nation. Sixteen of the world’s top women’s rugby teams will compete in matches at eight major venues throughout England—a fitting platform for what is being hailed as the biggest celebration of women’s rugby to date.
Fans eager to be part of this historic moment are encouraged to secure their seats as soon as possible, with tickets already on sale via the official Rugby World Cup portal. With excitement gathering momentum, over 330,000 tickets have already been snapped up, making early booking essential for anyone hoping to catch both the opening ceremony and what is set to be a closely contested game.
Anne-Marie expressed her enthusiasm about performing at the event, describing it as a privilege to be involved in a celebration of women’s sport at such a pivotal time. She commented: “Now that I’ve got a daughter of my own, it means even more to be involved in something that shows the next generation they can do anything. I know Sunderland will be electric, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.” Her appearance is expected to inject signature vibrancy and dynamism into proceedings, further underlining the spirit of empowerment for which both the artist and women’s sport are known.
In addition to the live performance, O2’s Priority customer rewards programme has announced an exclusive opportunity for a select group of fans to meet Anne-Marie before the show. O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers can enter a ballot via the Priority app for a chance at this once-in-a-lifetime experience, with entries open until 4 August.
Tournament organisers have emphasised the cultural significance of bringing together music and sport at such a momentous event. Sarah Massey, Managing Director of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, explained: “Anne-Marie is celebrated for her powerful vocals and uplifting messages of empowerment, love, and growth—values that resonate deeply with the global rugby community.”
Gareth Griffiths, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, echoed this sentiment, noting the broader impact of the event: “This tournament marks a landmark moment not just for women’s rugby, but for sports fans everywhere. O2 is delighted to help unite the worlds of music and rugby to celebrate what promises to be a defining occasion for the sport.”
James Massing, Senior Vice President at Live Nation, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, “Collaborating with World Rugby and O2 enables us to showcase the extraordinary talent seen both on stage and on the rugby pitch. Anne-Marie is the ideal artist to set the tone for the event, and we’re thrilled to be part of delivering such a memorable opening.”
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will unfold from 22 August to 27 September at venues across England, offering fans at all ages affordable access, with ticket prices starting at just £5 for children and £10 for adults. Enthusiasm continues to mount as supporters from across the globe plan to witness the fusion of world-class rugby and trailblazing live performance.
As anticipation builds, this year’s tournament not only signifies a sporting milestone but also marks another step forward for visibility and recognition of women’s achievement—both on and off the field.