BRI TIMES FOR WOMEN'S RUGBY

O'Driscoll expects interest to rise at World Cup

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

A TAXI journey across London to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final was a stark reminder to Brian O'Driscoll as to the oval ball's place in the sporting hierarchy.

"The taxi driver asked if we were going to the game, Chelsea and Spurs - and this was the day of a Rugby World Cup final," laughed O'Driscoll.

"So that just shows the differentiation between the two sports."

Scott Bemand's Ireland women are in England ahead of Friday's finals opener between the Red Roses and USA, with their own first group game on Sunday.

The Premier Leagues return last weekend will ensure many sports fans' focus will remain on football.

But O'Driscoll is optimistic the needle will move for the festival of women's rugby that lies ahead.