Attendance at this year's Women's Six Nations tournament has reached a record high, with ​a cumulative crowd of 194,466 spectators across ‌the first three rounds, tournament organisers said on Friday.

The total surpasses the previous tournament record of 188,128, ​which was set after five rounds of ​the 2024 edition, and represents a 136% ⁠increase compared with attendances at the same stage ​last year.

World champions England began their bid for ​an eighth successive title with a 33-12 victory over Ireland in front of a record 77,120 fans at ​Allianz Stadium on April 11.

A week later, ​England scored 12 tries in an 84-7 win over Scotland ‌at ⁠Murrayfield, where a crowd of 30,498 set a record for attendance at a standalone women's sporting event in Scotland.

Tournament organisers said the surge ​in crowds reflects ​the ⁠continued growth of the women's game, with strong ticket demand and viewership ​reported across countries.

Two rounds remain in ​the championship, ⁠with Italy hosting England on May 9 alongside Scotland's home clash with France and Ireland's meeting ⁠with ​Wales, before the tournament ​concludes with the final round of fixtures on May 17.

Source - Reuters