Since the Lionesses - the England women's football team - won the UEFA European Women's Championship for the first time back in July this year, it's safe to say that there has been an influx of interest in women in sport in general. Next Wednesday, September 14, Bristol's very own Ashton Gate will host its first ever international women's rugby match, when England's Red Roses take on Wales Women's Rugby - a match that will act as part of the crucial preparation for the team's Rugby World Cup campaign.
But is there really more of an interest in women's rugby and, if so, will it last? And what was behind the decision to finally bring international women's matches to the city of Bristol, a place that has already cemented itself as having some of the most passionate fans of the sport around?
Bristol Live spoke with Emily Liles, Communications Manager for the RFU (Rugby Football Union) to find out just what the future holds for women in the sporting world, not just as players but in other roles in the industry too.
