“To reach a World Cup final is a great achievement but Geoff and his team will be desperate to take that final step to become  World  Champions, especially having lost to the Black Ferns four years ago.”

RFU Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew MBE, himself a Rugby World Cup finalist in 1991, said: “Sunday will be culmination of four years’ hard work for England’s women and we really hope they win. They have done really well to get to the final but it won’t be enough for them – they’ll want the top prize.”

Rugby Football Union President Bob Rogers added: “On behalf of the RFU, I’d like to lend our support to the women’s side on what will be a very special day. The prospect of England being World Champions in both men’s and women’s rugby is exciting and we wish them all the best. It would be a massive achievement for rugby in England and a just reward for everyone at the Rugby Football Union for Women."

Premier Rugby Chief Executive Mark McCafferty said, "On behalf of everybody in the Guinness Premiership, I would like to wish the England team the very best of luck in the Rugby World Cup Final on Sunday. With many of the ladies playing for clubs like Saracens, London Wasps and captain Jo Yapp playing for Worcester, there will be plenty of support from all our clubs come late Sunday

Good luck messages can be faxed to 001 (780) 431-5801 marked for the attention of Julia Hutton, England Women’s press officer, or emailed to juliahutton@rfu.com

England’s path to the World Cup final

August 31st England v USA at Ellerslie Rugby Park, Edmonton WON 18-0

September 4th England v South Africa at Ellerslie Rugby Park, Edmonton WON 74-8

September 8th England v France at St. Albert RFC, Edmonton WON 27-8

September 12th Semi-final: England v Canada, Ellerslie Rugby Park   WON 20-14

September 17th Final: England v New Zealand, KO mid-night BST