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

But when the call came to represent the Red Roses, Shekells didn’t hesitate because she believes this home World Cup is a massive moment for women’s rugby in England. “I’m excited to see where the women’s game will go,” Shekells told Standard Sport. “It’s already on the rise, and I think a home World Cup will make it explode.

If the start of the 2025 Rugby World Cup was not exciting enough, Wales wing Lisa Neumann is also facing the honour of winning her 50th cap.

Scotland v Wales and France v Italy are fixtures that routinely send shivers of anticipation down the spines of rugby fans, and on Saturday, 23 August these old rivalries will take centre stage.

Defeat in the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup final was Ellie Kildunne's "first rugby heartbreak", but the England full-back says she it can fuel their title bid this summer.

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.