The area welcomed 48,800 visitors across six matches at Northampton’s Franklin's Gardens, delivering a substantial boost to local businesses, hospitality venues and community spaces, while strengthening West Northants’ reputation as a destination capable of hosting major international sporting events.

Spending by visitors, recorded as part of World Rugby's economic and media impact report collated by Futures Sport and Entertainment, remained strong across all categories, with most attendees spending between £20-£100+ on tickets, travel, accommodation, food, drink and merchandise, while higher-spending international visitors or those attending multiple matches reported total spend of £500 or more. Although many fans travelled in for the day, significant numbers stayed one or two nights in local hotels, Airbnb or with friends and family, helping to sustain economic benefits beyond matchdays.

Beyond the headline economic figures, the tournament also generated significant community pride and long-term impact. An in-tournament survey of 1,951 spectators in Northampton found:

• 60.6% strongly or somewhat agreed they feel proud that Northampton hosted tournament matches.
• 91.7% agreed they would like Northampton to continue hosting major sporting events.
• 36.3% said their opinion of Northampton as a place to visit had improved and they would likely return.
• 83.6% agreed rugby is just as much a sport for women and girls as it is for men and boys.

The event attracted a diverse crowd spanning all ages from under 18 to 90+, with most attendees aged 25-64. Spectators were predominantly women, and visitors travelled from across the UK as well as internationally from Ireland, Japan, Spain, Mauritius, the United States and beyond.

Importantly, the legacy is already being felt at grassroots level, with local clubs reporting increased interest and participation following the tournament.

The Old Northamptonian’s Rugby Club has seen its Ladies squad double in size, with 45 women attending pre-season training and over 40 women regularly attending senior ladies’ sessions this season. The club has also recorded strong growth across its Girls’ Minis and Juniors sections, welcoming new players into its Under-6s group.

Bugbrooke Rugby Club has similarly reported that the tournament has raised its profile locally and nationally, further embedding the club within the community and attracting new players and supporters.

Across England, the tournament welcomed 444,465 ticket holders, achieved 147 million global broadcast viewing hours, and delivered a £294.7 million return on investment.