England’s women showing the way on and off the field

Head coach Simon Middleton tells Jacob Newbury how full of pride he is in what his team have achieved

England are seeing bigger and bigger crowds (Getty)

Despite being denied an opportunity to clinch back-to-back Grand Slam titles, England Women have provided a glimpse into what could be possible in the future after packing out rugby venues up and down the country.

From Sandy Park to Castle Park and Twickenham Stoop to the Ricoh Arena, the Red Roses have taken the Women’s Six Nations on the road to several venues, and thousands have come in their droves to catch them in action.

In England’s last game, in which they beat Wales 66-7 to earn a 15th Triple Crown title, a record crowd of 10,974 witnessed Poppy Cleall’s hat-trick at the Stoop.