Northampton World Cup games tickets to go on sale

Franklin's Gardens has hosted the England Women's team twice in the last three years

Tickets for six Women's Rugby World Cup games at the Northampton Saints stadium are to go on sale on 5 November.

The Franklin's Gardens venue will host an England pool game on 30 August.

It is also staging two of Ireland's matches.

West Northamptonshire Council said news of Northampton's involvement was "a fantastic opportunity to showcase our area on the global stage".

England will play its first game of the competition in Sunderland on 22 August and make their appearance at the Saints ground against Samoa eight days later.

Ireland will start their World Cup campaign at Franklin's Gardens against Japan on 24 August and face Spain at the same venue a week later.

Three matches that do not involve home nations are also taking place at the ground.

The England team will face Samoa at Franklin's Gardens

The first Ireland game on 24 August will be followed by South Africa versus Brazil, and there is a double bill on 7 September involving Italy against Brazil and then France versus South Africa.

The quarter-finals are being staged at Exeter and Bristol, with Bristol also hosting the semi-finals.

The finals are scheduled for Twickenham.

The event's managing director, Sarah Massey, has described the tournament as a "showcase" of "the very best of women's rugby".

The Saints ground will host six pool matches

Northampton Saints say fans will be able to buy tickets for all matches from 11:00 GMT on 5 November until 19 November.

Ballots will be used for any ticket categories that are oversubscribed.

Dan Lister, from Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our area on the global stage, celebrate the excellence of women’s rugby, and welcome fans from around the world.

"Hosting these matches will not only promote rugby and women’s sport but also provide a significant boost to our local economy".