Hosting matches for the Women's Rugby World Cup is "huge" for one of England's biggest professional clubs, its chief executive said. Franklin's Gardens, home of Northampton Saints, will host six games during the tournament, starting with Sunday's double-header of Ireland vs Japan and then South Africa vs Brazil.

Hosts England ran in 11 tries as they brushed aside the United States 69-7 on Friday to win the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and emphasise their status as pre-tournament favourites.

Red-hot trophy favorite England has launched its home bid for the Women’s Rugby World Cup crown by thrashing the United States 69-7 in front of a record-sized crowd in Sunderland