Rugby World Cup fans thank 'beautiful' host city

Cristina, Blanca, Susana and Isabel say York has been "beautiful" in the two days since they arrived

Rugby union fans have praised York, as games took place in the city on the opening weekend of the Women's World Cup.

The Community Stadium hosted Canada's win over Fiji on Saturday and then New Zealand's 54-8 victory over Spain on Sunday.

Canadian family Matt, Jenna, Annika and Levi watched their team beat Fiji on Saturday and returned to cheer on New Zealand earlier.

"We just want to say thank you to York - we've had a beautiful time in an amazing city with tonnes of history and the people have been so friendly," Matt said.

Canadian fans Matt, Jenna, Annika and Levi watched their team win on Saturday and returned on Sunday, supporting New Zealand

Although defeat for Spain, it did nothing to dampen the spirit of their fans.

Blanca, 51, who has travelled over to support her country with a group of friends, said: "It's a beautiful city."

"We are so excited," added Isabel, 56, who praised the atmosphere of the city.

Although their country is not the favourite to win, Cristina, 42, said the players were "going to fight, for sure".

Mallory Forsyth and Mat Palmer had travelled from New Zealand for a family wedding in Woking.

Ms Forsyth said being able to watch the match was an "added bonus", while Mr Palmer said he was "really excited" for the game.

"I'm looking for a positive result as we didn't do so well this morning with the men," he added.

Harry Radcliffe and Martin Calvert say it is good to see matches being hosted in the city where they live

Martin Calvert, 39, who lives in York, said he was "excited" and had met some of the New Zealand players when they were training at a local gym.

His friend, Harry Radcliffe, 27, added: "It looks dead busy so it should be fun.

"It's good to fill up the stadium properly and see it used for it."

Shaun Gowens, 36, from Newcastle, was also supporting New Zealand, with his wife.

"One of the first things we looked for was the Black Ferns fixtures and, luckily, it was in York," he said.

"Any New Zealand team in rugby has an aura about them. The type of rugby they play is exciting.

"Everybody wants to watch Portia Woodman come on and break records."

Sarah, Charlie and Charlotte say they love to see matches in the tournament played in the north of England

Charlotte and Sarah Richards had travelled from Thornton Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, with friend Charlie Packer, from London.

As well as New Zealand's match against Spain, they had also watched Canada's win over Fiji in York and England's opener against the USA.

At each game, they have worn red rose-themed headwear in tribute to the England team.

"Got to do those girls proud," Charlotte, 22, explained.

"We're really excited to see how far women's rugby has come and we're excited to show that women's rugby is here and it's here to stay," said Ms Packer, also 22.

Sarah added: "It's really good to see things in the north - we love it."

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