World Rugby addresses online abuse ahead of WRWC 2025
World Rugby has extended its agreement with Signify Group to provide online abuse monitoring and protection services during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The partnership will see Signify’s Threat Matrix service deployed across all World Rugby men’s and women’s competitions through the end of 2026, with coverage beginning in 2023. The service will monitor social media platforms for abusive content targeting players, coaches, and match officials, and provide tools for enforcement actions, including potential legal escalation in serious cases.
The initiative forms part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond 2025 programme, which has included wellbeing and safeguarding as core priorities.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place in England from 22nd August to 27th September 2025, and is expected to receive significantly increased online attention. England 2025 will mark the first time World Rugby has implemented a tournament-wide proactive protection service of this kind.
The safeguarding measures are being introduced in response to growing evidence of abuse targeting athletes online. World Rugby has cited research indicating that female players and officials are 30 per cent more likely to face abuse than their male counterparts, with the UK accounting for the highest volume of abusive posts directed at international participants.
Signify Group will also provide World Rugby and participating unions with regular insights and reports to support ongoing strategies to reduce online abuse in the sport.
Sally Horrox, World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby said, “Every player and official deserves to feel safe and respected. This new service is a clear signal that we will not tolerate abuse and we are committed to creating an environment where women in rugby can thrive without fear.
“Rugby has always been about respect and the launch of the Social Media Protection Service ensures that we hold people to account. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will shine a global spotlight on the women’s game. We are proud to stand behind our players and officials – this is about leading with action.”
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