Fans flock to Brighton for Women's Rugby World Cup

Nathan and Jasmin Elvery travelled down from Epsom in Surrey

Fans have been flocking into Brighton for the "once-in-a-lifetime" chance to see England play Australia on home soil at the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Nathan Elvery, who travelled down from Epsom in Surrey, said: "I have been counting down to this moment, thinking: 'This is just going to be fantastic'.

"You're lucky enough to see a World Cup in your home country, and you're lucky enough to see the Red Roses in your home country. What a fantastic occasion."

Shelagh Burnhams, from Newbury in Berkshire, said: "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We are so lucky to be here today."

Tamsin Barber plays rugby in Australia for the Melbourne Rebels

England are top of their group after emphatic wins against the United States in Sunderland and the Samoa in Northampton - while Australia sit second in the pool.

Mr Elvery's daughter, Jasmin, said: "It's so exciting and especially it being women's rugby, I feel like this year it has really, really taken off and it's exciting that it's England that is kind of pushing it that way.

"I used to play rugby and it's just so exciting to see how much everybody else loves it as well."

Sarah Fowler travelled from the Isle of Wight

Fan Sarah Fowler travelled from the Isle of Wight for the match.

"It's difficult for me to get to Northampton and places like that, so to have one here was absolutely incredible. I couldn't wait to be here," she said.

"To have such a big thing here in Brighton is just absolutely incredible. The atmosphere is great."

Tamsin Barber plays rugby in Australia for the Melbourne Rebels, and although she is English, she is cheering on some of her friends who play for the Wallaroos.

She said: "I think England's really brought it the world stage and I think its great to see the game elevating and continuing to grow."

Barber added: "Being English as well, it's brilliant to see how much we can bring to the sport and how much we've grown it as well over here."