England fans are struggling to buy replica Women’s Rugby World Cup shirts following a supply chain error by manufacturer Castore.

Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, the only player in Ireland's squad with World Cup experience, is the replacement hooker on the bench alongside former England prop Ellena Perry, who made her Ireland debut in the warm-up win over Scotland earlier this month.

Rugby union stages its first World Cup since the 2023 men’s tournament in France ended with Wayne Barnes receiving “vile” abuse and death threats over his refereeing of the final. He announced his retirement soon afterwards.

Prospects: A team that should stay poised under pressure. Eleven players have more than 50 caps, led by back Sofia Stefan’s 98. Ten players are going to their third RWC. Keep an eye on center-wing Alyssa D’Inca, a threat since last year who scored four tries across the Azzurre’s warmup wins over Scotland and Japan.

BBC Sport is the exclusive home of live coverage for every match in the tournament. Fans can watch every game live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website/app with full access from kick-off to the final whistle. All group stage matches featuring England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland will be shown live on TV along with every knockout round clash.

Jorja Miller is one of the most exciting young talents in New Zealand rugby and many back home expect the loose forward to have a breakout tournament at her first World Cup over the next month. The 21

World Rugby has produced Where We Belong, a short film aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity in the sport.

Thousands of people are set to descend on Sunderland to enjoy a parade and live music in celebration of the Women's Rugby World Cup. England are set to take on the USA in the opening match of the tournament at the Stadium of Light on later and the city centre is hosting events to promote the tournament.

An era-defining Women's Rugby World Cup has set records even before it kicks off on Friday when host England plays the United States in Sunderland.

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, U.S. star Ilona Maher said, "It's so much easier to be yourself than anybody else."

Nigerian-American Cheta Emba fell in love with rugby while studying for a degree in molecular and cellular biology at one of the world's most famous universities.

Former Ireland women's rugby captain Fiona Coghlan feeling good about current team's chances at Women's Rugby World Cup