Unbeaten in their last 27 matches, the Red Roses must handle the pressure of being overwhelming favourites on home soil

One decision not to kick for goal, one stolen lineout, one more lost final - whatever anyone in the England camp is saying, it is impossible not to look at this year's Women's Rugby World Cup through the prism of what happened in Auckland three years ago.

Tickets for September 27 showpiece at Allianz Stadium already sold out, with World Rugby claiming they could have sold 82,000 allocation two or three times over

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.

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.