Women’s Rugby Exhibition Set to Launch on Brighton Seafront

An outdoor exhibition celebrating the strength, spirit and stories of women in rugby is set to launch in Brighton & Hove next week, marking a major moment in the city’s ambition to become the UK’s leading destination for women and girls in sport. Opening on Monday 23 March at the Seafront Gallery, the showcase coincides […]

An outdoor exhibition celebrating the strength, spirit and stories of women in rugby is set to launch in Brighton & Hove next week, marking a major moment in the city’s ambition to become the UK’s leading destination for women and girls in sport.

Opening on Monday 23 March at the Seafront Gallery, the showcase coincides with the visit of the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy to the city, creating a focal point for fans and newcomers alike.

The exhibition features a striking collection of photography capturing players from Hove Rugby Club and the University of Brighton. Through the lenses of photographers Bx Webb and Mo Tyrrell, the images highlight the defining qualities of the game — from physicality and focus to friendship, resilience and joy.

Organised by Brighton & Hove City Council in partnership with local organisations, the display forms part of a wider push to build on the momentum of last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup. The tournament saw record interest in the sport locally, including two sold-out matches at the Amex Stadium and a historic triumph for England’s Red Roses.

Since then, efforts to grow participation have gathered pace. Working alongside the Strive ‘25 legacy programme, the council has supported thousands of women and girls to get involved in rugby through a wide programme of community sessions, events and outreach activity.

The exhibition also ties into the city’s Sport Lifts Her Higher campaign, which aims to tackle long-standing gender disparities in sport by increasing access, visibility and opportunity for women and girls.

Recent research has shown the importance of representation in driving participation, with many young people saying that seeing elite athletes inspires them to take part. By showcasing local players in a high-profile public space, organisers hope to encourage more people to pick up the sport for the first time.

The Seafront Gallery installation has been funded through Strive ‘25 and developed in collaboration with Hove Rugby Club and the University of Brighton, highlighting the role of grassroots partnerships in expanding the game.

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said the exhibition is as much about inspiration as it is celebration, encouraging visitors to see what rugby can offer both on and off the pitch.

The exhibition will run until 26 April and is located between the Brighton i360 and the Upside Down House, offering visitors an accessible and visually engaging experience along the city’s seafront.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the display and discover more about opportunities for women and girls to get involved in rugby across the city.