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Throughout my coaching career, I had the privilege of working with outstanding players, and one of the finest was Jason Robinson. Bringing Robinson over from rugby league was a pivotal decision during my time with England, chiefly because he had the extraordinary ability to turn nothing into something significant.
He did that on so many occasions, coming up with huge moments in the biggest games with the 2003 World Cup final against Australia a great example.
On Saturday afternoon, I was reminded of Robinson when Ellie Kildunne delivered an exceptional moment of magic, clinching victory for England in the Women’s World Cup final at Twickenham. Kildunne’s try was simply a display of phenomenal brilliance. There’s no other way to describe it.
The Red Roses full-back reminds me so much of Robinson it’s funny.
When I coached Robinson, I just wanted him to get his hands on the ball as much as possible.
England beat Canada in the final at Twickenham to win the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Ellie Kildunne produce a moment of magic. Her try was simply outrageous brilliance
It’s the same with Kildunne. Her try helped England overcome early nerves and settled John Mitchell’s players down on what was a huge occasion.
I extend my sincerest congratulations to all the Red Roses players and their coaching team on their superb triumph. While there were high expectations for England to win at home, this should not overshadow the achievement they have accomplished.
The team has dealt with immense pressure to deliver global glory and must be applauded for that.
The challenge of winning a World Cup and maintaining a 33-match winning streak is remarkable. Likewise, England’s women had faced disappointment in the last two finals. Canada’s performance in the semi-final against New Zealand highlighted their potential threat, but they couldn’t match it in the final. Credit is due to England for that.
I think this was their best performance of the World Cup.
How satisfying for the players and Mitchell as head coach to deliver that when it mattered most.
Kildunne kickstarted the celebrations with her stunning solo try, and England’s players consistently delivered impressive performances. I was especially taken by captain Zoe Aldcroft’s efforts on the flank, who tackled relentlessly.
Alex Matthews was also noteworthy, contributing two tries. Witnessing players like Aldcroft and others from England in tears at the final whistle truly reflected the significance of this victory to them.
Kildunne got the party started with her outrageous solo score but across the board, England were superb
The power of the Red Roses was too much for Canada to live with.
It is in this area where the fact England’s long-standing professionalism has had the biggest impact. In simple terms, England are bigger and stronger than all their rivals to the point where they even made Canada – who are the No 2 team in the world – look a bit like amateurs.
That was shown by the fact forwards Amy Cokayne, Matthews and Abbie Ward all scored after Kildunne’s opener. Had Hannah Botterman not been yellow carded for a tip tackle, England’s margin of victory could have been even more comfortable.
Their impressive on-field display in the final was matched by the occasion at Twickenham. The atmosphere was sensational and the match played in front of a world record crowd for a women’s Test of 81,885. It was a phenomenal rugby occasion.
The RFU has done an excellent job by investing so heavily in the women’s 15-a-side game to deliver World Cup glory on home soil.
Now it must capitalise on this achievement.
After 2003, that didn’t happen. A week after the team won in Sydney, England’s players were playing for their clubs. The RFU didn’t seize the moment and there was no legacy that came out of the tournament win. I believe things will be different on the back of this success.
On Sunday, the Red Roses will deservedly celebrate their success with England fans in London and then undertake visits to grassroots clubs.
England’s success cannot be wasted by the RFU, and they must not repeat past mistakes
That is to be applauded.
This World Cup win can be game changing for women’s rugby in England, so the RFU has to strike while the iron is hot. The Red Roses playing in front of a sold-out Twickenham now has to be a regular occurrence rather than a one-off. I’d also like to see the RFU bring back an England or Great Britain sevens side to further capitalise on the feelgood factor this World Cup has created. English rugby, both men’s and women’s, has been hit by the lack of sevens in the programme. Hopefully, it can come back into being in the coming years now.
Initially, these things can wait. When you win a World Cup, you deserve to celebrate and enjoy the moment. In 2003, that’s what we did and I would urge England’s women’s stars to do the same. I’m sure, however, they won’t need me to encourage them to do that!
Players like Kildunne, Aldcroft, Ward and indeed all the Red Roses will now see their public profiles go to another level. And that can only be a good thing for rugby. We’ve already seen that happen in England women’s football with the likes of Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo.
With the Lionesses winning the European Championship and then the Red Roses following that with World Cup success, this really has been a golden summer of women’s sport in England. The celebrations at the final whistle at Twickenham were something to behold, just fantastic.
But English rugby can’t rest here. This has to be the start of something.
And I’m sure it will be.
