Co-captain Edel McMahon is confident that Ireland's lack of World Cup experience will not "shake" the squad as they prepare to face Japan in their opening game.

Hopes are high as Canada opens play Saturday against Fiji at the Rugby World Cup in England. And nowhere higher than in the Canadian camp. The sky's the limit for the second-ranked Canadian women, according to veteran flanker Karen Paquin. "Definitely.

The United States insist they are out to cause an upset in Friday's Women's Rugby World Cup opener against England in Sunderland.

Police are planning dedicated patrols in preparation for thousands of fans descending on Northampton for the Women's Rugby World Cup. Franklin's Gardens, home of Northampton Saints, will host six games during the tournament, beginning with a double-header on Sunday, of Ireland vs Japan and then South Africa vs Brazil.