But when the call came to represent the Red Roses, Shekells didn’t hesitate because she believes this home World Cup is a massive moment for women’s rugby in England. “I’m excited to see where the women’s game will go,” Shekells told Standard Sport. “It’s already on the rise, and I think a home World Cup will make it explode.

ESPN's writers weigh in on the big questions ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup, where 16 teams will battle it out with the hope of lifting the title.

Whitehead, recalling the last time England hosted the event in 2010, when the final was staged at the nearby Twickenham Stoop, the home of London club Harlequins, added: "The last time England hosted the Women's Rugby World Cup, the girls played (the final) at the Stoop around the corner to a crowd of 13,000.