The Founding Four: The Women Who Built the First Rugby World Cup

As the countdown begins for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, fans are already talking about sold-out stadiums, world-class talent, and record-breaking moments. But there’s another story that deserves the spotlight: the one that made it all possible.

A new feature-length documentary, The Founding Four, takes us back to 1991 when four British women, Deborah Griffin, Mary Forsyth, Sue Dorrington, and Alice D. Cooper pulled off the impossible. With no experience, no budget, and no official support, they launched the first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The tournament took place in Cardiff and South Wales, welcoming 12 teams from around the world. It was a massive logistical effort, run entirely by volunteers. The group faced financial risk, blatant misogyny, and constant obstacles. Still, they made it happen. And in the end, it was the USA who lifted the trophy after beating England in the final, a match that was televised and helped shift perceptions of women’s rugby forever.

Directed by Alice D. Cooper, one of the original organizers, and produced in partnership with rugby commentator Nick Heath, the documentary reveals the behind-the-scenes struggle and spirit that brought the tournament to life. The film includes the first on-camera reunion of the four founders in over 30 years, along with interviews, archive footage, and animated recreations of key moments from the tournament.

“The story is wild, emotional, and overdue for recognition,” said Cooper. “We wanted to show what it took to make history, and how much it cost—not just financially, but personally.”

The project is now in post-production, with a crowdfunding campaign underway to finish the film. The team is seeking support to license historic footage, secure stills, and complete the final edit. Their goal is to premiere the film during the 2025 World Cup.

This is more than a documentary. It’s a piece of rugby history that reminds us how far the sport has come, and how much we owe to those who got it started.

Support the Film

To learn more or contribute to the crowdfunding campaign, visit:
https://greenlit.com/project/founding-four

About the Production Team

Alice D. Cooper is an award-winning filmmaker and one of the original organizers of the 1991 tournament. Her experience as a player, journalist, and director brings a rare depth and authenticity to the story.

Nick Heath is a veteran rugby broadcaster and producer with over a decade of experience covering women’s rugby internationally. He has worked with TNT Sports, ESPN, DAZN, RugbyPass, and others, and is the co-host of The Power Pod for Premiership Women’s Rugby.

The documentary is being produced by Branded Studios, with creative support from a team of directors, editors, and composers who share a passion for women’s sport and storytelling.