Team Sunderland Rugby Union teams feature on BBC’s The One Show

Published on 20, August, 2025

Rugby Union teams from the University of Sunderland have featured on BBC1’s The One Show ahead of the opening fixture of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. 

Representatives from both Team Sunderland's men’s and women’s squads were filmed being put through their paces at the new rugby pitch next to the University’s St Peter’s Campus. 

Students were interviewed by 2024 Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas, who asked about the impact of women’s sport and the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Laura Hockaday, Team Sunderland Sport Development Assistant Manager, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our rugby programme and the best of the University of Sunderland. 

“We’re very proud of our students and the way they embraced this challenge.” 

England’s Red Roses will be taking on the USA at the Stadium of Light tonight (Friday 22 August), with England favourites to win the tournament after last winning the World Cup in 2014.

Team Sunderland offers a wide range of sporting opportunities cross the University and supports students with their participation in sport and exercise. Find out more here.

For more information about Rugby Union at the University of Sunderland contact team@sunderland.ac.uk 

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