Nine-year-old fan teams up with England star for new rugby mural

With the Women's Rugby World Cup just around the corner, fans are starting to get excited.

And, if you're a big rugby fan, what would be better than getting to meet one of the sport's stars? Getting a picture? Or, maybe, getting something signed?

Well one fan - and rugby player - nine-year-old Ava-Mai, got an opportunity that arguably beats all of those, as she got to be painted in a giant mural with one of her heroes.

The mural is painted on the wall of the Harbourside Amphitheatre building in Bristol - which is one of the tournament's host cities - and sees Ava-Mai standing alongside Bristol Bears and England prop Sarah Bern.

Sarah Bern plays for England and Bristol Bears

It's all part of a campaign by the Rugby Football Union - who oversea the sport in England - to try and encourage more girls to pick up a ball and try the sport.

Ava-Mai went along with her family to see the giant artwork get unveiled.

She said it feels "very cool" to be next to Sarah Bern in the picture and it makes her "feel very famous".

She said: "If I try very hard maybe I can be a professional player just like Sarah Bern."

Bristol is one of eight host cities for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

The Women's Rugby World Cup starts August 22 in Sunderland as England take on USA.

Bristol is one of the eight host cities across the country that will show three rounds of games.

Alex Teasdale, who is in charge of the women's game at England Rugby, said they initially bid to host the World Cup because they wanted to grow women's and girl's rugby.

She said thousands of people will pass the mural during the World Cup and she hopes "it really inspires people to take part or go and watch the matches".