A documentary ‘The Founding Four’ currently in production, is due to air ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, to tell the incredible untold story of the first ever World Cup tournament, organised against the odds by four extraordinary women with no funding and no experience.
Alice Cooper, Deborah Griffin, Susan Dorrington, and Mary Forsyth were the four pioneers who overcame countless barriers to stage the first ever tournament in 1991, without sponsors and without the backing of the Rugby Football Union or the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby).
The team behind the documentary consisting of one of the founding four, Alice Cooper and rugby broadcaster and producer Nick Heath, has today launched a fundraising campaign to help complete the film — unlocking incredible archive footage and capturing international voices who were there.
‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Cooper said: “This story just has to be told. With the tenth Women’s Rugby World Cup just weeks away, how many people know how the very first one was delivered? It’s a timely reminder of the first generation of women’s rugby players who started the ball rolling. We urge anyone who loves the camaraderie and spirit of rugby to consider donating and help us to get this project over the line.”
Who are the founding four?
Deborah Griffin – As co-founder of the Rugby Football Union for Women, Deborah selected a quartet of Richmond RFC teammates to join her on a mission to stage a tournament that would see 12 international teams competing over nine days, all with her five-month-old daughter by her side.
Sue Dorrington – Alongside focusing on playing – at hooker for England when they reached the final – Sue’s experience of fundraising for her club led her to take on the sponsorship role for this inaugural world event.
Alice D Cooper – Already a contributor to ‘Rugby World & Post’, Alice took on press and media duties. From giving interviews to curious and doubting journalists, to publishing the tournament programme, the demands were relentless.
Mary Forsyth – With accounting acumen, Mary had already tidied up the accounts of the men’s side of the club, so was the natural fit to take on the finance role, despite a scarcity of funds. Her daughter Kathryn was born a week before the tournament started.
‘The Founding Four’ were inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, in November 2022.
12 teams took part in the inaugural 1991 tournament in hosts Wales, Canada, England, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, USA and the USSR with the teams split into four pools of three.
England, France, New Zealand and USA progressed to the semi-finals, with England taking on the USA in the final which saw the Americans claim a 19-6 win.
The 2025 Rugby World Cup will be the tenth edition of the tournament taking place from 22nd August- 27th September in England. Buy tickets here.
