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.

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

On the eve of the tournament, Rugby Canada has announced it has reached 95 per cent of its $1 million target for its "Mission: Win World Cup 2025" fundraising campaign.

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

Relatives of a former England rugby union international who was known as the "prince of half-backs" have attended a ceremony to mark the restoration of his grave. Ernest William Taylor - known as Little Billie - made 14 appearances for England and captained his country seven times between 1894 and1899.

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