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Nations welcomed to town ahead of Rugby World Cup

Kris HollandBBC News, Northamptonshire
News imageWest Northamptonshire Council A group of people including rugby players and local council figures stand on the steps of Northampton's Guildhall building. West Northamptonshire Council
Brazil, Ireland, South Africa and Japan will all play group games at Franklin's Gardens

Four nations taking part in the Women's Rugby World Cup have been welcomed to England with a ceremony in a town.

The teams of Brazil, Ireland, Japan and South Africa attended an official welcome ceremony at Northampton's Guildhall on Saturday, ahead of the tournament, which begins on Friday.

The four nations were set to play pool stage matches at Northampton Saints' Franklin's Gardens on 24 August.

West Northamptonshire Council said it was "so excited to kick this tournament off in style and showcase everything that West Northants has to offer".

News imageWest Northamptonshire Council A colourful scene of a large group of people singing and dancing in the courtyard of Northampton's Guildhall.West Northamptonshire Council
There was a party atmosphere as representatives from the four nations danced along to a performance by Northants Sings Out

The welcome ceremony saw performances from Northants Sings Out and students from Northampton College.

Northampton is one of eight venues hosting matches at the tournament, with hosts England set to play a pool stage match against Samoa in the town on 30 August.

The national teams of Spain, Italy and France will also play group games at Franklin's Gardens.

When are matches being played in Northampton?

Six matches will be played at the 15,148-capacity home of two-time Prem Rugby champions Northampton Saints, including two double-headers.

  • Sunday, 24 August: Ireland v Japan (12:00 BST)
  • Sunday, 24 August: South Africa v Brazil (14:45 BST)
  • Saturday, 30 August: England v Samoa (17:00 BST)
  • Sunday, 31 August: Ireland v Spain (12:00 BST)
  • Sunday, 7 September: Italy v Brazil (14:00 BST)
  • Sunday, 7 September: France v South Africa (16:45 BST)
News imagePA Media Four England player in an all white kit celebrate a try. Behind them is two stands filled with fans.PA Media
England hoped to win the World Cup with the tournament on home soil

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