Big screen to show rugby world cup final in town

England won their semi-final match against France on 20 September

A major celebration to mark England playing in the Women's Rugby World Cup final has been planned in a town centre.

The Red Roses are taking on Canada in Saturday's showpiece final after defeating France 35-17 on 20 September.

West Northamptonshire Council said a giant screen in Market Square would show the match and build-up live in Northampton between 12:00 and 19:00 BST.

A licensed bar, food stalls and a DJ would all create a "festival-style" feel for when the game began at 16:00, the authority added.

The final will be held at Twickenham in front of what will be a record crowd for a one-off women's rugby match, with 82,000 fans.

That attendance will beat the record of 58,498 when England played France in the 2023 Six Nations.

Market Square has already attracted "record-breaking crowds" during the tournament, according to the council

The local economy has been bolstered by hosting six matches from the 2025 tournament.

West Northamptonshire Council said the games played at Franklin's Gardens had delivered a "significant" cash boost.

More than 48,500 fans attended the six ties that were held at the ground between 24 August and 7 September - including England v Samoa.

Fan zones in Market Square also drew "record-breaking crowds", with footfall at the Grosvenor shopping centre increasing by 20%.

The tournament's impact had been felt "beyond the stadium", the council added, leaving the town centre "buzzing with activity".