Rugby / Women's Rugby World Cup
Bristol roars on Red Roses to World Cup final
“Allez les bleus” came the chant from a small pocket of French fans in the Lansdown Stand at Ashton Gate, soon replaced by a rousing rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot as Ellie Kildunne scored a scintillating try for England after just five minutes of this Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final.
The Red Roses were given by far their sternest test of the tournament so far on Saturday afternoon but they will be travelling to Twickenham for the final against Canada on September 27.
These 80 minutes were tetchy at times, with England making numerous errors, and France could and should have been ahead going into half-time but for a forward pass.
is needed now More than ever
The second-half, however, saw a much more composed Red Roses with tries from Amy Cokayne, Abbie Ward, Megan Jones and another special effort from player of the match Kildunne taking the women in white to a 35-17 victory.
This win for England – with Bristol Bears players Ward and Hannah Botterman among the starting XV, and Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern as replacements – was the last of four games in the Women’s Rugby World Cup to be played in Bristol.
There were 25,478 fans in attendance for this semi-final; just the latest in what has been a spectacular success for the city.
And it comes as tickets are now on sale for the Women’s T20 World Cup which is coming to the County Ground in Ashley Down in June 2026.
A lamppost with red roses yarn bombing outside Ashton Gate – photo: Martin Booth
Less than two miles away from Ashton Gate, the Lloyds Amphitheatre hosted the World Cup fan zone, where fans gathered from 11am to soak up the atmosphere.
Thankfully, the weather gods looked down on the harbour kindly and gloomy skies were gradually replaced by some sunshine soon after the match kicked off at 3.30pm.
Mike Warner and his partner had travelled from London to support the Red Roses. The couple watched Friday’s semi-final between Canada and New Zealand at Ashton Gate but missed out on tickets to see England battle France.
“It’s great to be in Bristol as it’s such a big rugby city and area,” said the 34-year-old, who was proudly wearing a fluffy red cowboy hat – the unofficial symbol of England this tournament.
“We are big rugby fans; we don’t see a distinction between the men’s and women’s.”
Mike Warner from London with his partner at the Women’s Rugby World Cup fan zone – photo Betty Woolerton
Annika Pittaros, 30, from Brislington, spoke of her pride for Bristol and women’s sport in a moment before her half-time performance with AE Dance and Fitness troupe.
“We are so happy to be cheerleaders for women’s rugby today,” she told Bristol24/7. “It’s great to be able to promote women’s sport in general, as it needs to be celebrated more…
“It’s a huge thing that England has got this far and it’s really incredible and exciting that Bristol gets to host some of tournament.
“I think it shows that there’s big support for women’s sport in the city.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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