Female players 69% more likely to suffer online abuse

Female rugby players are 69% more likely to experience social media abuse than their male counterparts, according to findings by World Rugby.

Misogyny, gender identity, sexuality and body-shaming are the most common types of abuse.

Eight cases have been referred to law enforcement and platforms to focus on action.

Female athletes suffering abuse online is a growing issue, with tennis player Katie Boulter and Wales number eight Georgia Evans among those who have spoken out about the issue.

"Social media has transformed sport for the better, enabling connection, storytelling and growth," World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said.

"But it also increases the risk of harm, stress and suffering, and we took a stand at Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 to say that there is no place for hate in rugby or in society, that we stand with and celebrate the personality and diversity of our players and match officials, and will take all necessary steps to call out, locate and take action against abusers."

Evans revealed during the World Cup that she suffered negative comments about her appearance.

American international Ilona Maher is the most followed rugby player in the world, but has admitted the "abuse is constant" on social media.

World Rugby revealed that of the 440,000 posts analysed, 1,189 have met the unlawful threshold.

The offenders of the eight cases were located in Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States.

The governing body called on governments, platforms and sports to work together to make it easier to report abuse at all levels, take appropriate action and drive positive change.