England launch World Cup campaign

In an unprecedented move, the RFU is encouraging the country to come together as a show of support for women’s sport and rugby in England.  Fans are being asked to show the team that the nation is behind them by tweeting their messages of support using the hashtag #CarryThemHome in the lead up to the tournament, which takes place from August 1-17.

Sports fans from across the world of politics, celebrity, sport and even the British Monarchy have already pledged their support to the team and the RFU will be publically unveiling these high profile messages of support in the coming weeks. The RFU hope these pledges will give rise to a wave of patriotism that will carry England Women to success in Paris.

In conjunction with the campaign launch, the RFU has released a unique promotional film starring Chris Robshaw and members of the England Women’s team. The film showcases the technique and speed of England Women as well as the unity between the England Men and Women’s squads.

England Women’s Captain, Katy Mclean, said of the campaign: “We are feeling confident going into the World Cup in Paris. Knowing we’ve got the country behind us will give us a massive boost and hopefully spur us on to World Cup glory. It will be incredible reading everyone’s messages of support before we head onto the pitch.”

England Men’s Captain, Chris Robshaw, added: “All the boys will be right behind England Women this summer and it would be great to see all sports fans in England doing the same. Having closely followed the team I know they are very talented and extremely competitive and I can’t wait to see them take on the rest of the world in Paris.”

Nicola Ponsford, the RFU’s Head of Performance (Women), added: “Following on from the last Rugby World Cup in 2010 and with the help of the 2012 Olympic Games, the profile of women’s sport has increased and we want to maximise this opportunity  to create mass support for the team. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is set to be a global showcase for the world’s top 12 teams, and it is going to be a superb spectacle with lots of great rugby to watch.  We would like everyone to show their support for England Women ahead of the tournament – whether you’re an armchair sports fan or diehard rugby fan.”

Visit www.rfu.com/england-rugby for more information about England and the Women’s Rugby World Cup and tweet your message of support to @EnglandRugby using #CarryThemHome

WIN A TRIP TO THE WORLD CUP

The RFU are offering two people the chance to go to Paris, watch the final and stay in the luxurious Marriott hotel on the Champs-Élysées.

On the 16th August the winners will get the Eurostar directly to Paris where they can explore the wonderful city and soak up the atmosphere around the Women’s Rugby World Cup. They will then spend a night in the beautiful Marriott Hotel on the Champs-Elysees before heading to the final the following day at the Stade Jean-Bouin. The match promises to be a great spectacle of rugby with the top 12 women’s rugby teams in the world competing for a place in the final.

To win simply tweet your inspirational message to @EnglandRugby using #CarryThemHome. We will choose the most motivational tweet on 1 August so think carefully about your 140 characters.

Terms & Conditions apply- see the RFU website for more: