Richmond's and Worcester's England Women rugby stars will be out in force on Sunday, championing the game raising the profile of next year’s IRB Women's Rugby World Cup in London.

Richmond's Alice Richardson and Fran Matthews and Worcester Katherine Merchant and Gemma Sharples are just a few of the England stars who will be signing autographs and having their pictures taken.

Richmond host Worcester in the Premiership at 2.30pm, with a curtain-raiser between Welwyn U18 and London Irish U18 starting at 12.30pm.

Claire Antcliffe, rugby development manager for the women’s RFU, said: “This is a very exciting season for women's rugby, with the World Cup being staged in London in August and September next year.

“Using matches like this is a terrific way of exposing young women and girls to top flight rugby, as well as helping to raise awareness of the sport.

"These U18 players are being given a unique chance to play in front of world class players, and then quizzing them about what it's like to play for their country.

“This will be a great way of showing the public how accessible women's rugby is and highlighting the high standard that women's rugby is at."

Richmond Head Coach Karen Findlay added: "The match will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase girls' rugby and promote all levels of the game.

“Several of our 1st XV and international players have come up through the age groups, and played at the U18 level which gave them a great base to progress to senior rugby.

“It is crucial we support the player pathway and their continued development. We are thrilled to support this game."