Rugby / Women's Rugby World Cup
Temple Meads becomes Temple Maul ahead of World Cup
Bristol Temple Meads was briefly renamed to Bristol Temple Maul in honour of the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to Ashton Gate in 2025.
The temporary sign was unveiled by Bristol Bears players Abbie Ward and Hannah Botterman as well as now-retired Red Roses player, Shaugnah Brown, with the World Cup trophy pride of place.
The managing director of the World Cup, Sarah Massey, also attended with Ross Wormald, operations director at Ashton Gate.
The World Cup trophy was brought to the unveiling
“Bristol should be super excited,” said Wormald. “The level of interest is epic.”
Two quarter-finals and both semi-finals will be taking place at Ashton Gate from September 13 to 20 before the final at Twickenham.
Bristol Bears and England player Abbie Ward spoke about the “different dynamic and range of support” there is in Bristol.
Ward told Bristol24/7: “As a city it’s so diverse, there’s so much happening and going on culturally, I think rugby is just a part of that.”
Massey said that Bristol “will really get behind everything that happens in Bristol”.
She added: “There’s a lot of history at Ashton Gate, a great crowd.”
The renaming to Bristol ‘Temple Maul’ is to encourage fans to purchase tickets for the World Cup in September
The professional rugby players were joined with players from the Dings club.
All of the support from these girls and more gives the players an “extra boost”, said Botterman, who also plays for both Bristol and England.
She said: “It’s incredible for a player to feel like they’re playing at home in a home world cup. It’s not just in England, it’s in Bristol, our city, our club.”
For tickets to all Rugby World Cup games, visit tickets.rugbyworldcup.com
All photos: Leah Hoyle
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