Excitement mounts as city gears to host world cup
Sam Dixon-French/BBCExcitement is mounting ahead of the first game of the Women's Rugby World Cup.
Sunderland will play host to the opening match of the tournament on 22 August, with England's Red Roses taking on the USA at the Stadium of Light.
In the build-up to the event, the trophy will be displayed at Sunderland's Keel Square on 6 June from 12:00 BST to 16:00.
"Having the opening match here is a brilliant opportunity to showcase our city on the international stage," said Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council.
The authority said the 2025 tournament had already sold more than twice the number of tickets compared to the last event in New Zealand four years ago.
The competition's managing director Sarah Massey said: "[It] promises to be a landmark tournament for the sport and the trophy tour provides a brilliant opportunity to ignite excitement across England."
Sunderland is the last city to publicly display the trophy, which has already been on display at the other seven host cities.