'World Cup win after engagement would be special'

Winning the Women's Rugby World Cup shortly after her engagement to a teammate would be "the icing on the cake", an England player has said.

Two months before the tournament, Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer got engaged near England's training base in Guildford, Surrey, with Galligan calling it "the easiest yes in the world."

But the forward said winning the competition would be "extra special".

"It was just incredible. I'm so happy and now I want to win the World Cup to top it off," she said.

Galligan began her career at Aylesford Bulls, in Kent, where her father coached, before signing for Saracens, where she is now back playing.

The former Maidstone Grammar School for Girls student said Saturday's match against Australia at the Amex Stadium in Brighton was attracting more ticket requests than usual as it was one of the closer venues to home.

Galligan, 27, said her father had asked for the most tickets.

"When I started, my dad has told me, 'I'll support you'. But I didn't think anything of it. And now he's bringing all his school friends along, and clients," she said.

"We talk about women bringing women up, but when you have your dad and male allies behind you, that's the really important part. They're getting behind something that's so massive."

Galligan grew up in West Malling, near Maidstone, and said she was hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Kent sporting hero Alessia Russo, who helped the Lionesses in winning the European Championships.

"I can't believe I have never met her," Galligan said.

"They did so well and I'm still hoping for that day when the two winners can meet."