Waterman: Time to hit fifth gear

FORMER England star Danielle Waterman was moved by seeing a record crowd at Twickenham for the Red Roses win in the Grand Slam decider against France, but believes there is work still to be done to get the game into “fifth gear.” 

- NICK POWELL

The 2014 World Cup winner was in attendance at that game at the end of April and is confident the record attendance mark will be surpassed at the Twickenham final of the 2025 World Cup – if not before.

Despite her busy broadcasting schedule Waterman had the pleasure of watching this latest record breaking game as a supporter, and was moved to tears by the landmark occasion for the women’s game.

She said: “I was there as a fan, I actually came with my mum and she said: ‘Why didn’t you get to play in big stadiums? I followed you all round the world!’

“It was amazing, and quite emotional actually. It was only a couple of times I cried during the anthem when I was a player, but I was really crying when the girls started singing. Even thinking about it after, hearing all of those 58,000 fans singing was special.

“The biggest feeling it gave me was just absolute pride. Not only to see a wonderful display of rugby on the field with both teams going at it hammer and tongs, but just the energy and enjoyment from the crowd.

“It was clear from the first try where Abby Dow got the ball and the whole place erupted. That’s what sport’s about and to know the women’s game is receiving that is unbelievable.”