The opening weekend viewing determine surpassed all the attain of the 2021 World Cup, which was performed in 2022 and attracted 3.7 million viewers general, together with 1.8 million for the ultimate.

The attendance document for the Ladies’s Rugby World Cup was additionally damaged on the opening night time as 42,723 watched the Purple Roses beat the American Eagles 69-7 in Sunderland.

“It has been a historic summer time for ladies’s sport and BBC Sport is proud to have been on the coronary heart of it,” mentioned BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski.

“These record-breaking figures for the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup present the rising ardour and curiosity of followers throughout the UK.

“With all 4 dwelling nations competing on the world stage, we’re bringing audiences each match, each second, and the tales behind these inspiring feminine athletes. And with the event simply getting began, there’s rather more to return.”

Ruby Tui, a New Zealand worldwide and BBC Sport pundit, added: “When you may purchase shares in ladies’s rugby, it might be your primary funding proper now.

“It is such a buzz to be right here in England to witness this phenomenal development of our sport. World data are being damaged each weekend and I am right here for it.”

BBC Sport is the unique broadcaster of the Rugby World Cup, with each match on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport web site and app.

All dwelling nations matches and knockout stage fixtures might be proven dwell on BBC One or BBC Two.