Fans urged to back home Women's Rugby World Cup

A women's rugby international hopes fans will get behind the World Cup, saying they will see action that "you wouldn't see in the men's game".

England is hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup across eight locations, which includes six games at the Northampton Saints stadium in Franklin's Gardens in August next year.

Helen Nelson, who plays for Loughborough Lightning, based at the ground, and is a former Scotland captain, said: "You can feel everyone getting excited, and it will only build throughout the year.

"I hope Northampton support next year's internationals because you will see fixtures and tries that you wouldn't see in the men's game."

The 30-year-old, who can play fly-half and centre, added: "Women's rugby is different and good in its own way... it is so exciting having games in your home town.

"We love playing at Franklins Gardens. It's an unbelievable pitch, and the crowds are just building all the time.

"It's a really good atmosphere, and we just feel welcomed by everyone that's there."

She said she "always hated being the odd one out" when she played rugby as a girl in Inverness.

“I played as a youngster in Scotland, and I was always the only girl as much as I loved it, it was tough," said Nelson, who captained Scotland at the 2021 Women's Six Nations.

Her teammate, Helena Rowland, has 28 England caps and hopes to be playing for the Red Roses next year.

"I have played at Franklin's Gardens for Lightning and for some international games," she said.

She played in the 2021 World Cup final, where England lost 34-31 to New Zealand.

Next year, however, they are hoping to go one better.

"We have got an unbelievable opportunity to get it right next year in front of our home crowd," the 25-year-old fly-half said.

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