World Rugby and Unions sets new global standard in protecting players and match officials from online abuse at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

World Rugby has published findings from its Social Media Protection Service deployed during Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, revealing that female players and match officials were 69 per cent more likely to be targeted with online abuse than their male counterparts at Men's Rugby World Cup 2023. The abuse directed at women predominantly involved body shaming, transphobia, and sexism. Eight cases have been referred to law enforcement and platforms, with insights gathered set to inform future preventative measures.