Sarah Massey: Mastering Mega Sports Events

The Game Changers

What does it take to lead some of the biggest sporting events in the world?

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, to uncover the strategy, ambition and passion behind running global sports championships.

With over 30 years of experience, Sarah has played pivotal roles in organising major sporting events, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games and World Championships, as well as working at the very top of global sports including athletics, rugby, tennis and hockey.

Before taking this key role at World Rugby, Sarah was CEO of the World Athletics Championship Oregon22, having also worked at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

From her early days at Loughborough University to managing international sporting events, Sarah shares her journey through the world of sports leadership. She talks candidly about the challenges of organising major global events, the importance of building an inclusive and high-performing team, and the key to balancing multiple stakeholders in an ever-evolving sports landscape.

Sarah also reflects on the impact of gender equality in sport.

We explore how the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to break records in attendance and visibility as Sarah offers a behind-the-scenes look at what fans can expect from the tournament, how cities and communities are embracing the event, and what legacy she hopes it will leave for women’s rugby worldwide.

If you’re passionate about sports management, leadership or the advancement of women's sports, this episode offers valuable perspectives from one of the industry's leading figures.

Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers

Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production

Chapters

1. Sarah Massey: Mastering Mega Sports Events (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Game Changers (00:00:02)

3. Trailblazing Women: Breaking Barriers in Sports (00:04:59)

4. Meet Sarah Massey: A Leader in Women's Rugby (00:33:34)

5. Key Successes in Sports Event Management (00:59:48)

6. Challenges and Triumphs in Building Teams (01:30:25)

7. Looking Ahead: The Impact of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup (02:25:00)