Brighton Beach Renamed Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup

Brighton beach has been given a new name in anticipation of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, scheduled for next year. The coastal area is now known as Brighton Breach, a tribute to England player Jess Breach. Breach, who originates from Chichester in West Sussex, previously played for the Kent-based club Aylesford Bulls and Surrey’s Harlequins, but currently represents Saracens. Speaking to BBC South East, she remarked: “It feels pretty cool and special to have a beach named after you, it was something I would never would have thought would have happened.” Brighton is one of eight cities selected to host matches during the 2025 tournament. Two games will take place at the Brighton & Hove Community Stadium at Falmer, including a fixture featuring England’s Red Roses against Australia on 6 September 2025. Tickets for these matches became available for purchase in early November. The city also served as a host for games during the Women’s Football Euro’s in 2022, notably the England Lionesses’ quarter-final victory over Spain. Breach stated that her father and brother inspired her to play when she was younger. She explained: “They played in Chichester and I was very sporty and competitive with my brother. I just got involved and never stopped.” She added, “It was the team motive and ethos that kept me playing rugby when I was younger.” She further commented: “I hope the community of Brighton will really get behind us and I’m sure they will.” Breach recalled, “They really got involved in 2015 when the men’s Rugby World Cup came to the city.” Breach cautioned that her England team must approach every game “as it comes” but also stressed that they “can’t be too naive.” She expressed her hope that the fans could serve as the team’s 16th player and support them throughout the competition. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available for review.