To mark one month to go until the start of the tournament, a third Women’s Rugby World Cup mural has been created at the Salford Watersports Centre.
The artwork features England Red Rose and Sale Sharks player, Morwenna Talling, alongside 12-year-old Orla O’Hare, who was introduced to rugby through Impact ’25 legacy funded activity delivered by Sale Sharks.
Morwenna said “It’s such an amazing feeling to see myself alongside Orla on this mural, in a part of the country that means so much to me. It really is such an honour!
“I hope that this incredible artwork will inspire young girls and boys to pick up a rugby ball in what is a momentous year for rugby in this country.”
The giant artwork is the third such mural to help celebrate the tournament, with each featuring a current Red Rose and a local, young rugby-playing girl, placed in a prominent position within Bristol, Northampton and Salford.
The murals, which were created by street design company MurWalls, have been funded through the RFU’s World Cup Legacy Programme, Impact ’25, delivered by the RFU in partnership with the UK Government, Sport England and UK Sport.
The programme sees over £14.55m of Government funding committed to the sport in England and the home unions up to the end of March 2026, creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in rugby.
Alex Teasdale, the RFU Women’s Game Director, said: “As we count down to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, we’re proud to be celebrating the people and places at the heart of our game. These murals are not just a tribute to our incredible Red Roses, but a powerful statement about the future – one that puts young girls and local communities at the centre of our vision.
“Through the Impact ‘25 legacy programme, we’re working to ensure that this World Cup leaves a lasting legacy not just in stadiums, but in schools, clubs and towns and cities across the country. We hope these murals serve as a daily reminder that rugby is for everyone, and that young girls everywhere can see themselves in the sport.”
The unveiling of the Salford mural was marked with a photoshoot and interviews with key spokepeople, including Orla O’Hare, the young player featured in the mural, Gill Burns, former Red Rose and World Cup winner, Cllr Jack Youd, Salford Deputy City Mayor, Cllr Hannah Robinson Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure.
Deputy City Mayor Jack Youd said: ” Hosting part of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is another proud moment in Salford’s history. Rugby has deep roots here, and this tournament is a chance to celebrate that passion, welcome new fans, and showcase our city on the world stage. The mural is a powerful reminder of the pride we have in our communities and the importance of bringing world-class sport right to our doorstep.”
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith added: “It’s fantastic to see young girls like Orla at the heart of this mural, celebrating their love for the game and inspiring others. The Women’s Rugby World Cup isn’t just about the matches, it’s about creating opportunities, breaking barriers and helping more women and girls see themselves in sport. I’m so proud that Salford is part of that story.”
The murals also feature a QR code, giving information on how to get involved in rugby and support the Red Roses in their World Cup campaign this summer. It will also tell people more about the community activity the RFU is running to celebrate the momentous opportunity of hosting the World Cup here on English soil.
John Mitchell’s side will begin their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign against the USA on August 22 at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, hoping to become champions of the world for a third time.
