The Women’s World Cup gets under way in Paris tomorrow and Emma Croker, the wife of the former Basingstoke RFC director of rugby, James Croker, is hoping to help England to victory.

Four years ago, England were beaten finalists when they lost to New Zealand.

Richmond hooker Croker will be part of the England side that will open their assault on the trophy with a Pool A game against Samoa (kick-off 5pm) tomorrow.

On Tuesday, they face Spain (kick-off 2.45pm) and at the same time on Saturday afternoon they play their final pool game against Canada.

Croker said: “It is always an amazing feeling to pull on an England shirt, and we have a great team.”

The competition is made up of three pools, with New Zealand, USA, Ireland and Kazakhstan in Pool B, while Australia, France, Wales and South Africa make up Pool C.

The winners of each pool, plus the best second-placed team, will make it to the semi-finals, which are on Wednesday, August 13, with the final taking place on Sunday, August 17.