Farm shows support for Red Roses World Cup bid

The display is at Stoke Fruit Farm on Hayling Island

Red and white flowers have been planted as part of a display in support of the England women's rugby team.

The Red Roses are the favourites to win the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup which is being held on home soil. They face Australia in their final group game in Brighton on Saturday.

To show its support for the team, Stoke Fruit Farm on Hayling Island, has created a large display of cornflowers in the form of a rose, the England Rugby emblem.

It's at the farm's sunflower attraction and was the idea of Sam Wilson, who co-owns the farm with his sister Nette. Both are heavily involved with nearby Havant Rugby Club.

It was created with coloured cornflowers

"We really wanted to show our support for the Red Roses in the World Cup," he said.

"It's great to be able to help out and support grassroots rugby too."

Each summer, Sam's Sunflowers partners with Havant's age-grade teams, giving players the chance to raise money through volunteering.

Last year, groups across the junior teams combined to raise more than £2,650 for the club.

This year's display is not the first creative sunflower design the team at the farm have made. Previous creations include a Union Jack for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and a tribute to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Red Roses will top their group if they continue their 29-match unbeaten run and avoid defeat against the Wallaroos on Saturday.

The Red Roses take on Australia's Wallaroos on Saturday, with live coverage on BBC Two from 16:35.