A huge mural has been unveiled in Salford ahead of the city hosting games in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. The artwork is based at the watersports centre in Salford Quays and was created to mark a month before the tournament begins. Salford Community Stadium, which is home to Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks rugby clubs, has been chosen as a host venue for the tournament. Thousands of rugby fans are expected to make the trip to Salford to watch the action unfold when the competition begins in August. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here The mural in Salford Quays features England Red Rose and Sale Sharks player, Morwenna Talling, as well as 12-year-old Orla O’Hare, who got involved in rugby through a programme to increase participation in the sport delivered by Sale Sharks. Salford’s deputy mayor Jack Youd said: “Hosting part of the women’s rugby world cup 2025 is another proud moment in Salford's history. “Rugby has deep roots here, and this tournament is a chance to celebrate that passion, welcome new fans, and showcase our city on the world stage. “The mural is a powerful reminder of the pride we have in our communities and the importance of bringing world-class sport right to our doorstep.” The giant piece of art is the third such mural to celebrate the tournament, with each featuring a current Red Rose and a local young rugby-playing girl, placed within Bristol, Northampton and now Salford. The murals were created by street design company MurWalls and were funded through the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) world cup legacy programme, known as Impact ’25, which is being delivered by the RFU in partnership with the UK government, Sport England and UK Sport. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE The programme sees more than £14.55m of government funding committed to the sport in England and the home unions up to the end of March 2026, creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in rugby. Morwenna Talling said: “It’s such an amazing feeling to see myself alongside Orla on this mural, in a part of the country that means so much to me. It really is such an honour. “I hope that this incredible artwork will inspire young girls and boys to pick up a rugby ball in what is a momentous year for rugby in this country.” Coun Hannah Robinson-Smith, Salford council’s lead on sport, added: "It’s fantastic to see young girls like Orla at the heart of this mural, celebrating their love for the game and inspiring others. “The Women’s Rugby World Cup isn’t just about the matches, it’s about creating opportunities, breaking barriers and helping more women and girls see themselves in sport. I’m so proud that Salford is part of that story.” The women’s rugby world cup begins on August 22 when England take on the USA at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, with the team ultimately hoping to become champions of the world for a third time. The first game at Salford Community Stadium will take place on August 23 when Australia meet Samoa at 12noon. Other host venues around the UK include Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Northampton, and York.