What's the story?

It’s 1991 and as disparaging, misogynistic attitudes loom large in the rear-view mirror, four British women pioneer the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup. With no money and even less experience, they overcome countless barriers to stage this world first in Wales, accruing a £30,000 debt and putting their lives on the line.

So how do you set up and run an inaugural Rugby World Cup for women when you’ve no funds, no sponsors, no advisers, no official sanction and no real idea how to do it?

That was the challenge faced by Debs Griffin, Mary Forsyth, Sue Dorrington, and Alice D Cooper in 1991. Against all the odds, this formidable quartet broke down an endless series of apparently insuperable barriers to turn their ambitions into a successful global tournament. These included countering widespread and entrenched male derision, and an international governing body who flatly refused to sanction the event.

But setting up the tournament was one thing. Each of the nine tournament days in Cardiff brought further exhausting problems and challenges including a visit from H.M. Customs and the involvement of the KGB.

Despite everything, the founding four ran a successful international event with 12 countries taking part, and it produced a standard of play that impressed many of those male detractors, including the press. England were beaten by a savvier American team in the televised final – another first.

Who knew?

Few people know the full story of how four pioneers changed the world of women's rugby. 

This feature length documentary includes the first ever debrief between the four women for 34 years. This has already been filmed and is being edited. The documentary will reveal how they achieved this sporting miracle against a tsunami of the negativity and misogyny that was typical of the times, and set the standard for the succession of women’s Rugby World Cups that followed.

Who's behind the project?

The documentary is directed by Alice D. Cooper who’s an award-winning film maker. She's also producing alongside renown rugby broadcaster Nick Heath, with producer Charlotte Fantelli heading up Branded Studios as the production company. 

Why now?   

The biggest ever Rugby World Cup for women will be hosted in England in 2025 with the England’s Red Roses team likely to reach the finals at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. It’s become a multi-million-dollar tournament attracting international sponsors and professional players. 

Who is the audience? 

There's a burgeoning global TV audience (male and female) who follow women’s sport. The 2025 World Cup has already sold over 300,000 tickets to the matches.  

Why the crowdfunding campaign?

It's needed to secure sufficient funds that allow the production team to complete the post production including the cost of the unique archive footage, stllls, and stories that have been unearthed. But time is very short as this documentary would ideally be screened during the tournament in August and September 2025.

              Can you help the team get the project over the line? Please donate today!