Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Sean Ingle

Women’s rugby crashes into mainstream as England go for glory in World Cup final

England’s Sadia Kabeya poses with fans after her side’s semi-final victory
England’s Sadia Kabeya poses with fans after her side’s semi-final victory. A crowd of 82,000 will see the final at Twickenham. Photograph: Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Shutterstock

Over the past month women’s rugby has crashed into the mainstream with all the ferocity of a prop forward burrowing across the gain line. And on the day of a compelling Women’s Rugby World Cup final, it shows no sign of slowing down.

A crowd of 82,000 will watch England face Canada from 4pm at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, a world record for a standalone women’s match. While organisers have always been bullish, they admit that a tournament that has upended stereotypes and attracted legions of new fans has surprised even them.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.