Sunderland opener a 'little bit of home' for Dow

Abby Dow has scored 48 tries in her 54 games for England since her debut in 2017

England winger Abby Dow says that playing the opening game of the Women's Rugby World Cup in Sunderland will feel like a "little bit of home".

Dow, 27, grew up down south, but her late father Paul was born in Sunderland and her grandfather Gordon still lives there.

The 98-year-old will make his first ever trip to the Stadium of Light to watch granddaughter Abby line up against USA on Friday (19:30 BST).

"When I heard Sunderland, I know everyone went, 'Oh no, it's going to be cold up there," she said.

"But for me, I'm so glad it's there because it feels like a small little bit of home to me."

Dow, who is set to win her 55th cap against the Americans, used to drive up to the North-East when she was younger to catch up with that side of her family.

Dad Paul was her biggest supporter, driving her around to matches and buying books to learn how to coach his daughter to play rugby.

Although it is now four years since his passing, she is thrilled that her grandfather and her auntie will be in the crowd to represent that side of her family on such a huge occasion for Dow, the Red Roses and women's rugby as a whole.

"My dad was born in Sunderland, my grandad lived there his whole life, so we obviously did the long trips up to Sunderland for our Easters and everything," said Dow, who is currently without a club side.

"What's really cool is my grandad, who's 98, he's coming to the game. He's never been to the new Stadium of Light.

"He was Inspector Gordon Stanley Dow in Sunderland from 1952 to 1982. He makes sure to watch all of my games and it's just so nice that we were able to organise it."