SUNDERLAND, England — Ilona Maher's mission at the Women's Rugby World Cup is about more than just winning games. Heading into the United States' tournament opener on Friday, the world's most followed rugby player on social media wants to get more eyeballs on the sport as it ramps up attempts to crack the market in America.

American scrum-half Cass Bargell received a message on one of her candid videos on life as an athlete with an ostomy bag. It came from the mum of a six-year-old boy who had also undergone ileostomy surgery and plays sports.

Sarah Hunter, the Red Roses defence coach, believes this month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup will attract more women into coaching roles.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup has officially declared a sell-out with upwards of 80,000 people expected to attend Twickenham in a record audience for a women’s rugby game on 27 September.

Hannah Botterman hopes England can emulate Lionesses effect at Rugby World Cup - The Red Roses begin their World Cup campaign on Friday with a clash against the United States at the Stadium of Light.

Four nations taking part in the Women's Rugby World Cup have been welcomed to England with a ceremony in a town. The teams of Brazil, Ireland, Japan and South Africa attended an official welcome ceremony at Northampton's Guildhall on Saturday, ahead of the tournament, which begins on Friday.