Nations welcomed to town ahead of Rugby World Cup

Brazil, Ireland, South Africa and Japan will all play group games at Franklin's Gardens

Four nations taking part in the Women's Rugby World Cup have been welcomed to England with a ceremony in a town.

The teams of Brazil, Ireland, Japan and South Africa attended an official welcome ceremony at Northampton's Guildhall on Saturday, ahead of the tournament, which begins on Friday.

The four nations were set to play pool stage matches at Northampton Saints' Franklin's Gardens on 24 August.

West Northamptonshire Council said it was "so excited to kick this tournament off in style and showcase everything that West Northants has to offer".

There was a party atmosphere as representatives from the four nations danced along to a performance by Northants Sings Out

The welcome ceremony saw performances from Northants Sings Out and students from Northampton College.

Northampton is one of eight venues hosting matches at the tournament, with hosts England set to play a pool stage match against Samoa in the town on 30 August.

The national teams of Spain, Italy and France will also play group games at Franklin's Gardens.

When are matches being played in Northampton?

Six matches will be played at the 15,148-capacity home of two-time Prem Rugby champions Northampton Saints, including two double-headers.

• Sunday, 24 August: Ireland v Japan (12:00 BST)

• Sunday, 24 August: South Africa v Brazil (14:45 BST)

• Saturday, 30 August: England v Samoa (17:00 BST)

• Sunday, 31 August: Ireland v Spain (12:00 BST)

• Sunday, 7 September: Italy v Brazil (14:00 BST)

• Sunday, 7 September: France v South Africa (16:45 BST)

England hoped to win the World Cup with the tournament on home soil