England players Alex Matthews, Morwenna Talling, Jess Breach, Lucy Packer, Maddie Feaunati, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sadia Kabeya and Megan Jones reflect on Rugby World Cup 2025 and the achievement of reaching the final on Saturday.

Alex Matthews
"Winning the 2014 tournament was an amazing feeling. It was a pinch yourself moment and I was so fortunate to achieve that with a great bunch of girls so early in my career. This tournament feels different because of the amount of coverage, the number of fans supporting us each week, messages of support we receive daily and with it being at home in England. The support has been on another level and it’s only going to continue to rise beyond the conclusion of this World Cup. We can’t thank the supporters enough for their incredible backing and we know they will be cheering us on loud and proud at Allianz Stadium on Saturday." 
 
Morwenna Talling
"When England last won the World Cup in 2014, I was 12. Although the coverage of the tournament wasn’t like it is now, it was so inspirational to see female rugby players achieving something with their country. We are now in that spotlight and hold a responsibility as Red Roses to inspire young girls and boys to take an interest in our sport, whether watching or playing, and we hope that our sport continues to raise its profile following on from this World Cup. It has been an awesome experience, but we have to earn the right to an even better experience this weekend at Allianz Stadium."
 
Jess Breach, Saracens
"To have scored my 50th try and had my 50th cap in this tournament has been a dream come true. The levels of support has been phenomenal and extremely special. We love interacting with our supporters up and down the country and to have played in almost every region has really shone a light on what women’s rugby can offer so many people. From day one for us it’s been about earning the right to reach the final, doing it for the girls and enjoying every moment along the way. It’s been an exciting journey to this point and we’re relishing the chance to run out on Saturday in front of a sell-out crowd."
 
Lucy Packer
"I have really enjoyed the past few weeks with the girls. We have really bonded as a group and embraced every moment of the tournament together. We obviously have had our goals on the field, but it has been awesome to see how much people have enjoyed this World Cup – not only following the Red Roses but all the other nations too. It feels like the start of our sport growing exponentially. For us, we have our job to do, and we’ll stick to our process ahead of Saturday. We appreciate everyone for supporting us the whole way."
 
Maddie Feaunati
"I’ve made so many memories throughout this tournament and it’s not over yet. The bonds we have made as a squad have been incredibly special, and they will last a long, long time. Having a home World Cup has meant we have been closer than ever to the supporters who have backed us immensely from Sunderland down to Brighton across to Bristol and across social media too. It’s an experience I’ve relished but we have one more memory to make as a group. Allianz Stadium which will be bouncing with thousands of England fans!"
 
Lark Atkin-Davies
"I remember in 2014 watching the Red Roses win the World Cup and aspiring to earn my first England cap and start my international journey. We have had so many amazing moments as a group that have bonded us and to be heading into another World Cup final is an incredible achievement we are all proud of. This group has earned the right to be at this stage of the tournament. A world record crowd at Allianz Stadum is going to be special – it shows how far the women’s game has come. It’s something we’re going to relish and embrace."
 
Sadia Kabeya
"This World Cup has been a showcase of the growth of our game, and being part of it feels like a privilege. It has been a massive effort by everyone involved – staff and players – to get this point. We have had to earn the right to reach the final and every match has tested us in its own unique way, demanding the best from us. It’s first versus second in the world so it will be a fantastic occasion at Allianz Stadium. We can’t wait to see the thousands of white shirts, red cowboy hats and faces painted with Red Roses next week."
 
Megan Jones
"This World Cup has meant more than just rugby. It’s about visibility, identity, and showing up fully — on and off the pitch. We’ve had to fight for every second of game time in this tournament. We’ve earned the right to be here. To run out at Allianz Stadium, knowing the stories we all carry, the communities we represent, and the history we’re creating — that’s massive. That’s what makes this final week so powerful."