Facing home nation's 'tough', says ex-England captain

Joanne Yapp said her side had focused on themselves ahead of their match with England

A former England captain and Worcester Warriors player has described facing her home nation in the Women's Rugby World Cup as "really tough" as she prepares to face them as Australian head coach.

Joanne Yapp, originally from Clee Hill in Shropshire, has been the Wallaroos boss since 2023.

Australia currently sits in second position in Pool A behind England, who they face on Saturday, with qualification set to go to the wire between them and USA in third.

Asked about facing her home country, Yapp said: "The draw is really tough, but it's a challenge that we're all looking forward to."

She is just one of only three female coaches at this year's tournament and led her side to their first trophy, the WXV2 title, in October 2024.

Yapp also captained England in the World Cup final in 2006, which they lost to New Zealand.

Discussing her team's preparation ahead of the crunch fixture, Yapp said: "As a team we very much focus on ourselves.

"We've reviewed our performance against the USA, and we were proud of ourselves, we did some good stuff, but there are also areas for us to work on.

"So this week has been all about us and stepping up and improving in the areas we need to."

Australia could still make it to the knockout stages if they were to lose to England, as it will be a straight shootout between Australia and USA for that final knockout spot.

The Wallaroos are currently in the driving seat, as they are five competition points ahead of USA, which would mean even if they lose, if they get a bonus point in the form of losing by seven points or fewer, or they score four tries, then they cannot be caught by USA, who face Samoa.

'Moving back to Clee Hill'

This tournament, despite Saturday's result, will see Yapp leave as the head coach of Australia.

"I'm looking forward to moving back to Clee Hill and having some time with the family," she said.

"It's been a rollercoaster couple of years really, and I've been away from home and the family for long blocks of time.

"Having that opportunity to be back and support the family and transitioning back into home is really important to me."