England women will make their fourth trip to Exeter‘s Sandy Park as they take on the United States, before facing Wales in a maiden visit to Ashton Gate this September.
The trip to Sandy Park on the 3rd will see a number of American players featuring at their club home ground, with Hope Rogers, Rachel Johnson and Kate Zackary, Jennine Detiveaux, Gabby Cantora and Megan Foster all playing for the Chiefs domestically.
Rugby is still not considered a typical sport in the USA – and this link can direct you to classic American sports news – but having reached three finals in the 1990s, including a crown in 1991, and the semi-finals of the last competition in 2017, the Americans remain a women’s rugby powerhouse.
The visit to Ashton Gate in Bristol, coming on the 14th as a midweek fixture, will once again see England play Wales close to their respective border following the record crowd that watched the pair play at Kingsholm in Gloucester.
Both matches will act as a warm-up for the World Cup, starting on 8 October, according to England boss Simon Middleton, and will be key to them landing the big prize in New Zealand.
The former rugby league player was also looking forward to playing in the South West.
“We’re delighted to be able to confirm our two September Internationals,” he said.
“These matches are important for all three teams’ preparation before heading out to New Zealand and will be exciting contests.
“We know the people of Devon and the West Country will come out in their numbers and hopefully we can put on a show.”
Ashton Gate’s managing director Mark Kelly was also pleased to see the fixture coming to Bristol’s home, and believed this was the perfect way to capitalise on a large crowd the Bears’ women had for the visit of Quins last month.
He said: “With record-breaking crowds in this year’s Six Nations and more than 4,000 fans attending the Bears Premier 15s game against Harlequins in May, it’s a fantastic time to be welcoming international women’s rugby to Ashton Gate.
“There’s a huge appetite for the women’s game in the city and there’s likely to be Bears involvement in both sides as they prepare for New Zealand.
“It’s an exciting occasion for Ashton Gate and we look forward to hosting a big crowd.”
Tickets for both the Red Roses matches this autumn can be purchased here.
