England head coach John Mitchell believes his Red Roses team "deserve large crowds" as ticket sales top 40,000 for their Rugby World Cup opener against the USA.

England head coach John Mitchell insists the tag of being Women’s Rugby World Cup favourites is “irrelevant”. The Red Roses kick off this year’s World Cup at the Stadium of Light against the United States on Friday and also face Samoa and Australia in Pool A.

The attention of the rugby world turns to England as the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Sunderland this Friday.

Red Rose stars Zoe Harrison and Rosie Galligan answer your questions ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup which kicks off on

One decision not to kick for goal, one stolen lineout, one more lost final - whatever anyone in the England camp is saying, it is impossible not to look at this year's Women's Rugby World Cup through the prism of what happened in Auckland three years ago.

Sport England have requested that the RFL submit a detailed action plan over their governance to ensure critical funding lands next month.

Unbeaten in their last 27 matches, the Red Roses must handle the pressure of being overwhelming favourites on home soil

Ever given your mate a rousing speech, beer in hand, watching their face light up with your motivational words and thought, hot damn, I should do this professionally. Well, you might just be in luck, as England's Rugby team are listening.