A fan zone for 2,000 spectators is to open in Brighton, as the city prepares to host two matches in the Women's Rugby World Cup. England will play Australia at the Amex Stadium on 6 September, with New Zealand playing Ireland at the same venue the following day.

England are clear favourites to win the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which gets underway on Friday in Sunderland and runs until the final at Twickenham on September 27.

The Wallabies triumph over South Africa last week is playing into the hands of Rugby World Cup organisers, as it works to drum up excitement in the sport, along with ticket sales.