Red Roses' stars Amy Cokayne, Mo Hunt and Sarah Hunter are buzzing for England's World Cup opener

The Red Roses are firm contenders to go the distance and win the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, as England enter the tournament ranked at number one in the world. The Red Roses have not lost a match since the heart-breaking defeat to New Zealand in the Women's Rugby World Cup Final back in November of 2022, with John Mitchell's side taking their first steps towards immortality tomorrow night.

England hooker Amy Cokayne was quick to praise the venue, that will kick off the 10th iteration of the Women's Rugby World Cup. “First time here. I was lucky enough to go to the training facility during the week as well, and they were all happy about it being here as well. I love the stadium, love that it's like a bowl. I think they're cool, there's no corners. Can't wait to see it absolutely packed.”

Cokayne enters the match as a more seasoned veteran of the Women's Rugby World Cup stage, and the front row was asked as to what words of advice she has bestowed upon the newcoming talents. Cokayne kept it simple with her statement, as she encouraged the likes of World Cup debutants Maddie Feaunati to just be themselves and relish the moment.

“It's just reminding them to enjoy it, that not everyone gets to do this, especially a home World Cup.”

Red Roses scrum-half Natasha 'Mo' Hunt then spoke highly of her veteran England teammate Emily Scarrett, who will compete in her fifth Rugby World Cup. This is a record for World Cup longevity from within the selected England playing group, with Hunt constantly impressed by how the Loughborough Lightning star continues to show up with stellar performances for her county.

“For her [Emily Scarratt] to have the injury that she had in her neck and be out and nobody really knew about it - she dealt with it in her own way - she's running around playing some of the best rugby that I've seen in a long time.”

Despite the scale of Friday’s opener, Hunt insisted England are treating it like any other contest: "I'm absolutely buzzing, but ultimately, it's just another game of rugby. I think as exciting as it is - all of this build-up, all of the branding, the tunnel is epic, everything about it is so cool - when we come to it tomorrow, it's just another game.”

Reflecting on her own preparation, Hunt looked back to another successful domestic league campaign in Cherry and White. Hunt, alongside her England captain Zoe Aldcroft, led Gloucester-Hartpury to yet another Premiership Women's Rugby title, with this past season marking the third title in a row, or a 'three-peat' for the residents of Kingsholm. "Playing for Gloucester-Hartpury, being down in two Premiership finals and then being able to find a way back. I think that's one thing that has levelled me a lot in my career.”

Assistant coach Sarah Hunter, who captained England to World Cup glory in 2014, is embracing her new role on the touchline. The most capped England rugby player of all time is John Mitchell's second-in-command, and enters the Women's Rugby World Cup in a unique position, as an abundance of her former teammates take centre stage on the pitch. When asked if she missed the buzz, and whether the North Eastern back-drop has made the opening weekend extra special for the Northumberland native, Hunter said;

“A lot of people ask if I want to be out there. No, I had my time, I'm really happy and content with what's been. I'm now super proud and privileged that I still get to be on this journey from a different capacity.”

“I've been buzzing since we got told that the World Cup was going to come to the north-east. You can tell how excited I am about my home region and that it's to be the opening game and the Red Roses game.”