WI members knit rugby display ahead of World Cup

Dozens of volunteers are preparing a large-scale yarn bombing display ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Women's Institute (WI) groups across Northamptonshire are working together to knit a rugby-themed installation for the Women's Rugby World Cup, which starts in August.

The display will run through Northampton from St James bus station to Franklin's Gardens, the home ground of Northampton Saints, which is scheduled to host six matches.

Christine Carr, Northamptonshire WI's federation chair said: "We've got rugby dolls in the different colours of the teams that are playing; we've got flags for every country; we've got crocheted faces that will form a crowd on a mural."

The project, commissioned with support from England Rugby and West Northamptonshire Council, has grown significantly in scale since it was first proposed.

Ollie Lyons, from East Hunsbury WI, said she was working on a 27ft (8m) montage featuring two rugby teams playing.

"There's an awful lot of work that goes into it," she said.

More than a dozen WI groups are involved in creating the tribute, which is expected to be completed by early August.

Carolyn Stone, of Hunsbury Hill WI, added: "I'm not a rugby fan but I'm learning all the way.

"We've made 32 figures so far including officials. They all have to be attached to artificial grass. We have stands, hot air balloons, the [Northampton] Lift Tower - all things that represent Northamptonshire.

"It's a legacy for Northamptonshire. It's showing the county off at its best."

The event is set to commence on 22 August, when hosts England face the United States at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

Franklin's Gardens is one of eight venues across England hosting matches.

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