A growing legacy powered by rugby
Race to Rugby World Cup has become a powerful tradition ahead of each tournament, bringing together endurance challenges with a global call to support social impact through rugby.
This unique campaign began in 2019 when adventurers Ron Rutland and James Owens cycled more than 20,000 km from London to Tokyo, delivering the match whistle to the opening game of RWC 2019.
In 2022, ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 (playing in 2022), Ron teamed up with Adam Nunn to cycle from Japan to New Zealand, covering a 16,500 km journey across 11 countries. They arrived just in time to hand over the whistle at Eden Park.
The epic ride continued in the lead-up to RWC 2023 in France, reaffirming rugby’s unique power to bring people together for a greater purpose, with hundreds of thousands of dollars raised to support rugby and life skills learning.
Each Race to Rugby World Cup delivers more than a whistle – it delivers a message: that rugby, at its core, is a force for positive change in the world.
Lexi Chambers: racing for impact at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
In 2025, Lexi Chambers will lead the next chapter of the Race to Rugby World Cup.
A five-time world record holder, Army veteran, and ChildFund Rugby Ambassador, Lexi is taking on her boldest challenge yet: wheeling 10 ultramarathons in 10 days using a non-sport wheelchair, to deliver the match whistle for the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in Sunderland.
Her goal is to raise funds and awareness for ChildFund Rugby’s global work, especially the impact it has driven for gender equity, youth leadership, and inclusion.
Funds raised through Lexi’s journey will help ensure more young people, especially girls and young women who face barriers to participating in sport and leadership learning, have the opportunity to play, learn, and lead through rugby.
Every kilometre she wheels is a call to action: to invest in young people, to challenge what’s possible, and to celebrate rugby as a platform for change.
As the countdown to RWC 2025 begins, Lexi is already putting in the work — and so is a global movement powered by rugby. 🌍⚡🏉
Driving Visibility, Inspiring Action
Lexi’s journey to the Rugby World Cup 2025 has been nothing short of inspiring. Recently, she took centre stage at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Staff Conference at Twickenham, invited by Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women’s World Cup. Lexi shared her story with over 150 dedicated staff, reflecting on last year’s achievements and looking ahead to the epic challenge that lies ahead. Her message was clear: rugby is about community, determination, and making a difference.
The energy in the room was electric as Lexi spoke alongside rugby luminaries like Nick Heath, Alex Teasdale, Jenni Smith, Becs Leach, and referee Sara Cox MBE. Lexi’s heartfelt words about ChildFund Rugby’s impact resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the power of sport to change lives.
Whistle Handover: the journey to RWC 2025 starts here
This Friday, June 20th, marks the official handover moment – don’t miss the excitement as Lexi takes up the whistle and launches her Race to Rugby World Cup 2025 journey. Her goal is bold, her determination unwavering, and her cause could not be more important.
Lexi’s challenge is tough, but as she says, “Nothing worth doing was ever easy!” Her efforts are not just about personal achievement they’re about raising awareness and vital funds for ChildFund Rugby, supporting children and communities through the transformative power of rugby.
You can register for the event here.
Join the movement
Be part of Lexi’s incredible journey. Donate today to Lexi’s Race to Rugby World Cup and help drive real change through rugby – support Lexi’s Race to Rugby World Cup here.
Let’s rally together and show that we’re all #PoweredByRugby. Every donation, every share, and every message of support brings us closer to a brighter future for children around the world. Powered by rugby.