First ever all-female grounds team to prepare pitch for World Cup Final

On Saturday 27th September, a sell-out Allianz Stadium crowd will see history made as, for the first time ever, an all-female grounds team will prepare the pitch for the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final and bronze medal match.

Brought together by the Grounds Management Association (GMA) – the not-for-profit organisation that supports groundspeople across the country – along with England Rugby and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, the final will feature pioneering pitch professionals from across sport and education, including:

Meg Lay – first female grounds team member at Lord’s Cricket Ground
Liddy Ford – first female member of the Wembley Stadium grounds team
Cheryl Hill – Leicester Tigers’ longest-serving staff member

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

With less than 10% of the professional groundskeeping workforce female, the GMA is on a mission to spotlight female talent in grounds management and bring women into the industry.

Jen Carter, who is responsible for the communications and marketing at the GMA, has played a key role in bringing this spectacle event together.

She said: “This is a landmark moment not just for rugby, but for the entire grounds management industry. To have an all-female team preparing the pitch at Twickenham – one of the most iconic stadiums in world sport and for the biggest ever Women’s Rugby World Cup final is a powerful statement.

“It challenges long-standing perceptions and showcases the incredible talent and professionalism of women in a field traditionally dominated by men. It’s a proud reflection of how far we’ve come, and a bold signal of where we’re heading.”

Carter added the detail and precision which goes into getting the turf at Allianz Stadium ready for such a momentous occasion.

“Preparing a pitch for a world-class rugby final is a meticulous process. It involves turf health monitoring, precision mowing, line marking, irrigation management and ensuring the surface meets strict international standards for safety and elite performance. Every blade of grass matters, especially when the world is watching.

“The final 24 hours are intense and highly coordinated. It’s an early start on matchday – 05:00am! The team will conduct final preparations including inspections, line marking, check moisture levels and ensure the surface is pristine. It’s a high-pressure environment, but one that this team is fully prepared for. Their professionalism and attention to detail will be on full display.”

With 82,000 expected through the doors on Saturday, this really will be a career high for all the professionals involved in getting the pitch spick and span for the world class rugby, as Carter agrees:

“To be trusted with preparing the stage for the world’s best athletes, in front of a sold-out crowd and millions watching globally, is a career-defining honour.

“These women are fantastic role models – not only for their peers in the industry but for the next generation of women aspiring to work in sport and grounds. It’s a celebration of everything they’ve worked for, and a chance to show that women belong at the heart of sport, in every role.

“Everyone involved in this event is proud to be part of history. The team is looking forward to creating the perfect pitch, as well as inspiring more women and girls to get involved – showing that if you can see it, you can be it. Grounds management is for everyone.

“It’s a rewarding career that offers unique opportunities – like working at world-class sporting venues such as Twickenham.”