Players forced to fundraise to cover costs of World Cup

The Women's Rugby World Cup will make a glitzy start on Friday night in front of a global TV audience, but a Guardian survey of the 16 competing nations has discovered the brutal financial reality for many of the players.

- Sarah Rendell

Half of the 32-strong Samoa squad are raising funds to cover the costs of their mortgages and household bills while taking part in the tournament in England, according to one of their players, Nina Foaese, a 36-year-old mother of three.

World Rugby covers the costs of flights and accommodation for all teams during the competition, but while Samoa are giving players allowances they do not have contracts.

Foaese, who works as a support youth worker, said: "It was overwhelming, I didn't expect the donations I have received. I was truly grateful and surprised about how much people wanted to sponsor me because I have never done something like this before."