Rugby community 'starstruck' by Red Roses meeting

Red Roses players met fans at Daventry Library on Thursday

Players from a Northamptonshire women's rugby club said they were "absolutely starstruck" to meet members of England's team ahead of their second Rugby World Cup fixture.

The Red Roses face Samoa at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton at 17:00 BST on Saturday and are favourites to win the tournament.

On Thursday, players including Zoe Aldcroft, Abby Dow and Emily Scarratt met fans at an event at Daventry Library.

"It feels like we're in a different world," said Rachel Kilpatrick, a player with Daventry RFC. "I can't believe they [the Red Roses] are actually here; it's been really nice to see them."

Michelle Loots, who also plays for Daventry, said: "It's been like a fangirl moment. To go from watching them on the TV to seeing them here, they're actually real people."

The event was organised in conjunction with West Northamptonshire Council and saw dozens of young fans queue to meet the England stars.

Abby Dow said it was a "privilege" to meet fans

Winger Abby Dow, said: "I think community events are the most important thing to rugby. Ultimately sport is designed to get kids involved.

"It's about getting kids active — just getting muddy knees.

"It's incredible to come here - not just to inspire people, but they're also inspiring us.

"It's a privilege to be here."

Emily Scarratt, who is playing in a record-equalling fifth Rugby World Cup, said: "I played in 2010 when we last hosted [the World Cup]... the landscape is so different.

"I didn't think it [women's rugby] would ever grow like this and we'd be professional; doing events like this [at the library] and packing out stadiums."

Coverage of England vs Samoa is available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 16:35 BST on Saturday, 30 August, with commentary also being broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.