World Cup's first all-female grounds team celebrated

It is hoped the all-female grounds team will inspire more women to consider a job in the industry

The first all-female grounds team that prepared the Women's Rugby World Cup final pitch have been celebrated for their "landmark" achievement.

The 15-strong team spent three days mowing and conducting safety checks at Twickenham ahead of Saturday's game, where England defeated Canada 33–13.

Among the group was Beth Gibb, 23, from Wiveliscombe, Somerset. Describing the experience as surreal, Ms Gibb said she "absolutely loves her job and being outdoors is very therapeutic".

Jennifer Carter, director of communications at the Grounds Management Association (GMA), said: "This was a landmark moment not just for rugby, but for the entire grounds management industry."

Ms Gibb's team has been breaking down barriers in the industry

"An all-female grounds team at a game of this magnitude – the biggest Women's Rugby World Cup Final ever – shows how far we've come.

"Encouraging more women and girls to consider grounds management as a career is vital. You have to see it to be it – and we hope we've inspired the next generation to get involved," Ms Carter added.

Starting her grounds keeping apprenticeship at Wellington School, Ms Gibb has now been working in the industry for four years.

Claire Smith, from the school, said: "We are incredibly proud of her and it's such an unusual industry for a woman to be in.

"[Ms Gibb's] history-making team is leading the way towards a more diverse, visible, and inclusive grounds management industry."