"Sad to see" - Everyone is sayings the same thing about the Red Roses WXV opener

This year's competition, hosted in Canada, surprised fans online due to the unexpectedly small crowd for what would have been a sell-out match in England.

The Red Roses, currently on a 17-match winning streak, remain the undisputed world number one women's team.

One fan tweeted: "#WXV come on Canada. There's no one there!"

Another asked: "Where's the crowd? If these two teams were playing anywhere else, the stadium would be packed."

A third commented: "Great to watch Red Roses vs USA on iPlayer. Pity about the low turnout, but at least you can hear the calls more clearly!"

WXV1 was created to ensure more top-level clashes in women's rugby, but as its second season begins on Sunday, the question remains: can anyone challenge England?

Ranked number one in the world, the Red Roses are firm favourites to retain the title they claimed last year in New Zealand. England are on an impressive 17-match winning streak, which includes recent victories over France and reigning world champions, New Zealand.

While matches against the Black Ferns and hosts Canada loom large, England will first face the United States on Sunday. The Americans, ranked eighth in the world, will be looking to cause an upset.

We take a look at the loved ones who could help the Red Roses to victory.

Luke is another rugby enthusiast who has been playing at Hartpury College in Gloucester for over five years. Zoe, 25, is often there to cheer him on whenever his team takes to the pitch.

Luke also coaches the Hartpury 2nd team in the university league and works full-time at a school. In his free time, he coaches the local side, Longlevens RFC.

The pair share a love for the outdoors, regularly going rowing and hiking together. When not adventuring, they can often be found attending family functions and friends’ weddings.

Though it’s not known when the two plan to marry, Luke is a devoted and supportive boyfriend, always on hand to encourage Zoe.

Speaking to Talking Rugby Union in January, he said: "She [Zoe] got nominated for Player of the Year over email, and a week later she got it."

He added: "I don’t know what she was thinking, but I was a bit all over the place."

"She does like to push me, and she’ll be brutally honest with me at feedback. If she sees me play, she’ll tell me something is s*** or mention a missed tackle."

"It is what I need, and it is the way she is. Her style."

Her partner is Archie White, who plays flanker for the Harlequins men’s side.

Bristol Bears and England rugby teammates Holly and Hannah were once in a relationship, though it’s unclear if they remain together.

The pair first crossed paths at Hartpury College in 2015 but parted ways after a year, with Holly admitting she was left 'heartbroken' as she struggled to come to terms with her sexuality.

In a candid interview with FEMAIL, Holly revealed it was 'tough' to see Hannah on the sidelines due to injury but praised her resilience.

"How Hannah has picked herself back up from the injury and given everything to lift the team says a lot about her. She’s still got someone in her corner, and she’s definitely a source of energy for the squad," Holly said

Growing up in Yorkshire with a passion for Liverpool FC, Ellie Kildunne has used her Instagram and TikTok to engage and inspire the next generation, particularly during last summer's Olympics.

Kildunne frequently shares glimpses of her life alongside her long-term partner, Cameron. The couple often post photos from their travels abroad, showcasing romantic getaways and family vacations.

Last year, Ellie celebrated Cameron’s birthday with a heartfelt three-minute video, captioned: "twentyone. Happy birthday to my best friend. Happiness is by your side, I love you x @_cameron_s.b."

Despite Ellie’s public profile, Cameron prefers to keep a lower profile, with his Instagram account set to private.

Abbie married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward in August 2020, who now serves as her coach at Bristol Bears.

Their first meeting was unexpected, as Abbie was looking for members of the men’s team to support the women’s side when she came across Dave.

"Dave just happened to be there with a big smile on his face. He seemed approachable, and that's how we met," Abbie recalled.

Dave added, "She asked me where was good to go for breakfast in Guildford, and I saw my chance, so I picked somewhere nice."

Since then, the couple has fully intertwined their careers, often holding regular throwing practice sessions together in their garden.