Women's Rugby World Cup fans say atmosphere at Franklin's Gardens 'electric'
Today the Northampton Saints ground will host England verses Samoa
Rugby fans say they hope the influx of visitors for the Women's Rugby World Cup will put 'Northampton on the map.'
This weekend sees two more of the six Women's World Cup matches taking place at Franklin's Gardens, England face Samoa today and Ireland play Spain tomorrow.
The Red Roses, who are favourites to lift the trophy, launched the competition with a crushing 69-7 success over the United States in Sunderland before Samoa were thrashed 73-0 by Australia in the other opening Pool A fixture.
In a series of uneven encounters, Canada trounced Fiji 65-7, defending champions New Zealand defeated Spain 54-8, Ireland overcame Japan 42-14 and South Africa thumped debutants Brazil 66-6.
England head coach John Mitchell has made 13 changes to his starting XV for Saturday's clash with Samoa here in Northampton, which is expected to bring another resounding win for the hosts.
We've been hearing from rugby fans who have been enjoying the tournament in Northampton.
Roisin vice captain for the Old Northamptonian's (ON's) and says the atmosphere has been 'electric':
"From start to finish there was always something going on, there were bands in the covered area, there were people dancing there were people singing it was different."
Roisin says the tournament coming to England has already seen a surge in interest in the women's and girls sport:
"We've already seen a fantastic increase in people wanting to come and play for the ON's from all abilities. So much so we're hoping that in the near future to have a development team as well."
She says the sport is an inclusive place for all body types:
"And all different ages. So we've got girls on the team who are 45. We've got girls on the team who are 18 and we all enjoy it."
Sammy Moore from Northamptonshire has played women's rugby in Ireland and now plays Vets Rugby for Wooden Spoon and is part of the British & Irish Women’s Vets.
She went to the opening England game in Sunderland:
"There were 46,000 people watching the game today, it was incredible, it was the same as watching an international at Twickenham, the atmosphere was electric, the music, the fanfare, I can't emphasis how brilliant it was."
10 year old Betsy from Northampton plays rugby and was at the matches last weekend:
"Now that it's actually happening in Northampton, to Franklins Gardens, it will just bring so much enjoyment into everyone, and such pride into Northampton."
She's enjoyed the atmosphere:
"I look at the match and say, I wanna be like them one day and keep on going on with rugby."
The Saints ground will host over 15,148 for today's clash at 5pm. Elsewhere the fan parks will open this weekend again in the towns Market Square.
Ireland face Spain at the Northampton ground tomorrow.