Sunderland opener is Dow's home from home

ABBY Dow is relishing the opportunity to return to her roots when the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Sunderland.

- By REBECCA JOHNSON

England open the tournament at the Stadium of Light on Friday night against the United States in Pool A.

Part of Dow's family hail from Wearside and some will be in attendance for the game, including her 98-year-old grandfather, Gordon.

“My dad was born in Sunderland and my grandad lived there his whole life,” the England winger said.

“We did the long old trips from Berkshire up to Sunderland for our Easters and everything.

“What's really cool is my grandad, he’s 98 and he’s coming to the game. He’s never been to the new Stadium of Light. He'll be there, so I'm very happy he’s going to be there.

“He's been to one of my rugby games before, it’s a bit hard for him to come, so my auntie’s been really helpful organising it all.