GWR announces South West rail plans for Rugby World Cup matches

Exeter is gearing up for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 with the launch of the city’s official fan zone at Princesshay this Friday (22 August).

The fan zone will open in time for the tournament’s first match between England and USA, offering fans a place to gather and watch all the action live on a big screen, including the games hosted at Sandy Park.

Awarded to Princesshay earlier this year, the fan zone will feature bean bags, deck chairs and picnic benches, alongside refreshments from the onsite Bloom Bar. Visitors can also enjoy street food stalls and takeaway options from Princesshay’s restaurants.

Princesshay Marketing and Commercialisation Manager Hannah Overton said:
“We’re so excited to see the tournament begin on Friday, this is a big moment for Princesshay, the city of Exeter and women’s sport. We’re proud to host a space that’s free, accessible and open to everyone to come together and enjoy the atmosphere and excitement.”

On match days, rugby-themed activities will take place alongside the screenings. More information is available at princesshay.co.uk/news-whats-on/fanzone .

Fans heading to Exeter or Bristol for live matches will also benefit from extra rail services. Great Western Railway (GWR) has confirmed half-hourly trains between Exeter St Davids and Digby & Sowton, as well as services from Exmouth to Newcourt, for the tournament’s opening South West fixture: France v Italy at Sandy Park on Saturday 23 August (8.15pm).

Sandy Park is served by both Digby & Sowton and Newcourt stations, while Ashton Gate in Bristol can be reached via Parson Street.

Supporters are being advised to allow extra time for journeys, with stations expected to be extremely busy before and after matches. CrossCountry will be running a reduced timetable across the opening weekend due to industrial action, and South Western Railway has also made timetable changes because of speed restrictions towards Exeter.

South West fixtures – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Sandy Park, Exeter

• Sat 23 Aug: France v Italy, 8.15pm

• Sun 31 Aug: New Zealand v Japan, 2pm

• Sun 31 Aug: France v Brazil, 4.45pm

• Sat 6 Sep: Canada v Scotland, 12pm

• Sat 6 Sep: Wales v Fiji, 2.45pm

• Sat 13 Sep: Quarter Final 1, 12.30pm

• Sun 14 Sep: Quarter Final 3, 12.30pm

Ashton Gate, Bristol

• Sat 13 Sep: Quarter Final 2, 4pm

• Sun 14 Sep: Quarter Final 4, 4pm

• Fri 19 Sep: Semi Final 1, 7pm

• Sat 20 Sep: Semi Final 2, 3.30pm