Women aiming to hit 100,000 mark by World Cup

ENGLAND women returned to their roots, visiting local clubs across the country with Alex Teasdale, executive director of the women's game at the RFU, revealing they hope to reach 100,000 female participants in the build-up to next year's World Cup.

- BEN JAYCOCK

Over 800 clubs were registered last season with a five per cent increase in the number of clubs that registered girls.

Following a sixth successive Six Nations triumph, the Red Roses gave back to fans spending time visiting clubs that helped mould them into the athletes they are today.

The visiting players led training drills, hosted Q&A sessions, and took part in autograph signings and photo opportunities.

Teasdale told The Rugby Paper: "We're looking at the lead up to World Cup 2025 and post-tournament, and around how we can all come together to reach our major aims, with one being 100,000 female rugby players. The Red Roses profile is starting to grow, if you look at the trajectory since the 2014 win it's shown a huge boost in women's rugby. The visits are there to retain players who have already been inspired but are also there to attract people who have never played the game before.