Dozens of rugby players were joined by Red Roses internationals to celebrate the Women’s World Cup coming to Brighton in 2025.

Chichester’s Jess Breach joined players from the University of Brighton and Hove Rugby Club on the newly renamed “Brighton Breach” to celebrate tickets going on sale for games in Brighton.

Also there was former Red Rose Rachael Burford.

The event comes less than a year before England take on Australia at Falmer and world champions New Zealand face Ireland.

Saracens winger Jess, who began playing in Chichester and Pulborough before making it into the England squad, said: “It’s definitely fun to see the girls here and see how excited they are for the tournament.

“I’m super excited to potentially have the opportunity to be in the squad and play in Brighton. To be able to play in Sussex is really exciting and hopefully I’ll be able to play in front of a big crowd with lots of family and friends.

Jess, Alan and Rachael with the Women's Rugby World Cup trophyJess, Alan and Rachael with the Women's Rugby World Cup trophy (Image: The Argus)

“I went to the 2010, 2014 and 2017 games as a fan and the game has definitely moved on a lot since then. We’re still eight months away but there’s a great excitement and people keen to get involved.”

Ahead of the tournament in 2025, players took to “Brighton Breach”, named after Jess to celebrate the tournament.

The 27-year-old was part of the squad which narrowly missed out on winning the previous tournament, falling to hosts New Zealand in the World Cup final.

She said that with the home support as the “16th player”, the team will “feel a lot of love” - and potentially take the trophy home.

Players got the opportunity to chat to Jess and Kent-born former Red Rose Rachael Burford and pose with the pair and the World Cup trophy.

Rachael, who won the World Cup with England in 2014, said: “Women’s rugby is so good at being as accessible as possible. The South East is where I grew up and fell in love with the game.

“Even though London and Twickenham is our home, having something rooted here is very special.”

England will play Australia in Brighton on September 6, 2025, before New Zealand face Ireland on September 7.

The tournament comes a decade after Brighton hosted the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2015, when there was a dramatic win for Japan against South Africa.

A ballot for the women's tournament tickets is taking place amid high demand - more than 130,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament so far.

The ballot closes on November 19 and successful applicants will be informed at the beginning of December.

Brighton and Hove City Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports and recreation, said: “It’s great to see everyone running around and enjoying themselves.

“This will promote sport for women and girls which is really important. We have crowds coming from all over the world to see how beautiful Brighton looks.

“Hopefully people will come for the rugby but come back later.”