Not every World Cup ends in glory.2017 was all about heartbreak for the Red Roses and RACHAEL BURFORD

HEADING INTO the 2017 World Cup in Ireland, the Red Roses were the defending champions and starting to see some consistency under new coaching staff led by Simon Middleton.

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Affectionately known by those closest to him as Mids, he'd taken over from 2014 World Cup-winning coach Gary Street in 2015.

The 2017 Women’s Six Nations saw England win their 13th Grand Slam. Their good form followed them into the World Cup and propelled them into the final, where they faced the Black Ferns. The Red Roses started strong and led 17-10 at halftime. But brilliant tactical changes saw New Zealand secure a 41-32 victory and their fifth Rugby World Cup trophy.

For Rachael Burford, the starting inside-centre for England throughout the tournament apart from the pool game against USA, it’s still difficult to vocalise the heartbreak she experienced when the full-time whistle blew at Kingspan Stadium.

“It's a hard thing to put into words because in one breath you're so proud of getting to a World Cup final, competing really hard in the game to looking around at the fans, your family and friends,” says Burford, who played in four World Cups. “There is an immense amount of pride but then an immense amount of disappointment.”

The 2017 tournament was almost one Burford was not a part of. After spending most of the World Cup cycle in the sevens team, she had to fight tooth and nail to be a part of the 15s squad.

“Originally they wanted me to stay in the sevens programme but I would still be up for selection for the 15s,” Burford says. “There wasn't actually any opportunity for me to put myself forward because I wasn't allowed to play 15s; I wasn't going to 15s training camps, I was going to be fully focused on the sevens and developing some of the young players.