The Rugby Football Union says investment in women’s and girls’ rugby has led to major growth, a year after the Red Roses won the World Cup at Twickenham.

More than 40,000 girls aged 6 to 12 were introduced to rugby through the programme.

Women’s participation at supported universities rose by 38%, while 607 clubs received funding to improve facilities.

The RFU now wants 100,000 women and girls actively playing rugby by 2030.