COLOURFUL displays of yarn art celebrating the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 coming to Exeter have been unveiled in the city.

Crocheters and knitters from across Exeter and Devon came together to create rugby-themed art in two key locations in the city.

Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Anne Jobson, officially launched the artwork at Exeter’s historic Guildhall and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM).

The displays feature rugby-inspired yarn art, including metres of bunting and Red Roses, celebrating the England Women’s team, known as the Red Roses.

Even Exeter’s famous Gerald the Giraffe got in on the act and will be wearing a colourful scarf at the RAMM, alongside his elephant friend! The artwork, on the pillars of the Guildhall and inside the museum will stay up throughout the tournament for people to see.

The displays are part of the nationwide Red Roses Yarn Art initiative from England Rugby.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup started on August 22 and runs until September 27, with Sandy Park hosting seven games, including two quarter-finals.

As a result, the city has welcomed players and fans from nine countries as Exeter is put well and truly on the international stage.

Making pieces for the displays started earlier this summer, as crochet enthusiasts were asked to get creative and come up with rugby-inspired pieces.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Jobson and her Deputy Cllr Gemma Rolstone got involved, decorating the Guildhall in advance of the display.

Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, said it was great to see so many people coming together: “Events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 bring communities together.

“The rugby is exciting but it’s events like the yarn exhibition that bring so many people together, not just rugby fans but those who want to make a difference to the atmosphere and togetherness of the city.”