Sarah Bern plays guide<\/p>\n
Sarah Bern has been named on the bench for England’s all-important quarter-final against Scotland at Ashton Gate on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The tight-head prop has been playing for Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women’s Rugby competition since 2018, and this week she’s been imparting her knowledge of the local scene for any Red Roses and Scotland fans heading to the area:<\/p>\n
On Saturday, Ashton Gate will also play host to the quarter-final between Canada and Australia – so if you’re heading to watch any of those four teams, make sure to get your intel from a local!<\/p>\n
Hunt set for Brebner-Holden reunion<\/p>\n
Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt will start for England at Ashton Gate this weekend, having been handed the scrum-half duties by head coach John Mitchell.<\/p>\n
Opposite her in blue is Leia Brebner-Holden, who knows Hunt’s game better than most – she was coached by the England legend!<\/p>\n
“She coached me a lot through my college and university years,” Brebner-Holden says.<\/p>\n
“She definitely helped with my passing, and I do owe her a bit of credit. However, the fact that some of my knowledge has come from her is maybe good for me too!”<\/p>\n
Ireland welcome wafer back to the fold<\/p>\n
Ireland have named their team for a quarter-final date with France, and the good news for fans is that Aoife Wafer will make her tournament debut in Exeter on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old reigning Six Nations Player of the Tournament has recovered from knee surgery to make her bow at Rugby World Cup 2025 to the delight of her team-mates and coaches.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve all wanted to see her back on the pitch, she\u2019s been desperate to get out there and give herself to the cause,” said head coach Scott Bemand.<\/p>\n
“She\u2019s worked incredibly hard behind the scenes and there\u2019s been huge support for her in getting back to this point. We\u2019re fully confident she\u2019s fit and ready.”<\/p>\n
Can South Africa keep Booi going for another week?\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the age of 40, Nolusindiso Booi knows Rugby World Cup 2025 will be her last. For some that may be a daunting prospect, but the legendary South African second-row is using it as fuel for her side’s quarter-final against the Black Ferns<\/a> in Exeter.<\/p>\n “I have to give everything for the team, because I don\u2019t believe we are going there to just play the game,” she said this week. “I believe we can do something.<\/p>\n “Coach always talks about miracles, and we have a strong pack, 32 players which are behind us, including our fans at home, our families and everyone out there, so we\u2019ll give everything we have.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s my last World Cup, so for me it\u2019s about giving everything because I know that after we\u2019re done, I won\u2019t touch a rugby ball again.”<\/p>\n