Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

Case Study: Traffic, Parking & Safety Management for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Overview

EST are proud to have supported England throughout the entire WRWC 2025 and onto their world beating performance in the final.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will mark one of the most significant international sporting events hosted in the UK, attracting thousands of fans, teams, and officials across multiple matchdays. Managing the flow of people and vehicles efficiently and safely is critical to ensuring the smooth running of the tournament and a positive visitor experience.

Event Support Team (EST) was proud to be appointed to deliver a comprehensive range of traffic, parking, and safety management services throughout the event, including ANPR entry systems, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), planning and consultancy, signage deployment, and customer service operations.

By combining advanced technology, detailed pre-event planning, and professional on-site delivery, EST helped create a secure, efficient, and enjoyable environment for all attendees.

The Challenge

The Women’s Rugby World Cup presented multiple operational challenges:

• Managing high vehicle volumes and pedestrian footfall across several matchdays (22nd, 23rd, 30th August, and 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, and 27th September).
• Ensuring safe pedestrian access while maintaining clear routes for emergency and authorised vehicles.
• Preventing congestion and confusion on approach roads and within car park areas.
• Delivering consistent operations across repeated fixtures while maintaining flexibility for different attendance patterns.
• Providing a welcoming and well-managed experience for visitors, teams, and media personnel.

EST’s objective was to integrate traffic management, access control, and security measures into one cohesive system that prioritised safety, accessibility, and event flow.

Our Approach

ANPR Entry & Traffic Management

To streamline access and reduce queuing, EST deployed a handheld Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system across all vehicle entry points.

• Vehicles were validated instantly upon arrival, allowing for rapid pre-book and authorised entry.
• This system significantly improved throughput at key ingress points and minimised hold-ups on approach roads.
• Combined with coordinated traffic marshal management, the system maintained steady movement before and after each fixture.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) Operations

To protect pedestrian areas and event entrances, EST implemented Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers throughout the venue perimeter.

• HVM barriers safeguarded crowded areas from unauthorised or accidental vehicle intrusion.
• EST operatives were stationed at key locations to manage and remove barriers quickly if emergency access was required, ensuring safety and operational flexibility at all times.

Advanced Signage & Wayfinding

To enhance navigation for visitors, EST designed and installed advanced event signage around the stadium and surrounding road network.

• Signage guided vehicles and pedestrians to the correct parking zones and access routes.
• Directional and information signage reduced confusion, improved arrival times, and supported a more relaxed, positive spectator experience.
• The signage strategy was reinforced by on-site stewards, providing live support and guidance throughout the event.

Planning & Consultancy

Before the tournament, EST’s planning and consultancy team worked closely with organisers and local authorities to design a detailed Traffic Management and Safety Plan.

• This included risk assessments, route mapping, vehicle flow analysis, and HVM placement design.
• EST ensured full compliance with Chapter 8 regulations, local traffic authority requirements, and the event’s security protocols.
• The planning process allowed for real-time adaptability, enabling smooth on-the-day responses to changing conditions or crowd volumes.

Customer Service & On-Site Delivery

EST’s operational teams prioritised professionalism and visitor care throughout the event.

• Stewards and marshals provided clear, friendly assistance to spectators.
• Staff coordinated with security, police, and event control to manage real-time updates.
• The team’s approachable, informed presence ensured that attendees felt both safe and supported.

The Results

Across all matchdays, EST delivered safe, efficient, and professional operations that met and exceeded the expectations of both organisers and attendees:

• Zero major incidents related to traffic or pedestrian movement.
• Efficient ingress and egress, with reduced queuing and no significant delays.
• Safe and secure pedestrian zones maintained throughout.
• Positive feedback from event partners, organisers, and visitors.
• Consistent operational excellence across multiple fixtures and dates.

The integration of ANPR, advanced signage, and managed HVM ensured that every aspect of the spectator journey — from arrival to departure — was controlled, safe, and seamless.

Key Outcomes

Conclusion

Event Support Team’s involvement in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 showcased the company’s ability to deliver large-scale, multi-date event operations with precision, innovation, and care.

By combining smart technology, strategic planning, and expert on-site delivery, EST ensured a safe and efficient experience for every visitor, athlete, and staff member.

Their work demonstrated how effective integrated traffic management, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation, and customer service can transform the logistical complexity of international tournaments into a seamless and secure spectator journey.

This project reinforces EST’s reputation as a trusted partner in major sporting event logistics, capable of delivering world-class operational support from planning to execution.