We must build on World Cup win, says rugby star

Jess Breach scored six tries at the World Cup

One of England's Rugby World Cup-winning heroes said she was determined to build on the momentum in the sport as she met grass-roots players in West Sussex.

Winger Jess Breach, who scored six tries at the tournament, urged fans to attend top-level domestic matches in the hope that it will encourage more people to play women's rugby.

The Red Roses' 33-13 victory over Canada in the Women's Rugby World Cup final last weekend attracted a peak television audience of 5.8 million viewers.

"Everyone's done a really good job at promoting the game," Breach told the BBC, as she visited East Grinstead Rugby Football Club.

"We want to carry on that momentum."

Breach was in East Grinstead as part of RugbyFest, a celebration of the sport which is designed to inspire the next generation of players through mini-festivals and open days.

Jess Breach greets fans and players in East Grinstead

She called for more fans to watch Premiership Women's Rugby matches, which begin in three weeks.

"Why wouldn't you want to see World Cup winners on your doorstep?" she said.

"The level of rugby will be exactly the same as the World Cup and you'll get to see some superstars."

East Grinstead RFC players Millie and Izzie

Millie, 17, who plays centre for East Grinstead, said she saw Breach as a "role model", adding: "It's crazy that someone living so close to us has achieved so much in rugby."

Breach, who grew up in Chichester, also said earning a 50th international cap in England's pool match against Australia in her home county of Sussex was a "dream come true".

Breach said: "I was super excited when it was revealed that we would be playing in Brighton. My target throughout the whole tournament was just to be able to play that game.

"I had so many friends, family and people from my village there. It was really special."