England Men’s captain Chris Robshaw leads a campaign of support for England Women at WRWC 2014

To view the film visit:http://play.buto.tv/WJQWV

Today, England Men’s Captain Chris Robshaw and the Rugby Football Union are launching an inspiring campaign calling on the nation to get behind the England Women’s team ahead of next month Women’s Rugby World Cup in Paris.  

In an unprecedented move, the RFU is encouraging the country to come together as a show of support for women’s sport and rugby in England.  Fans are being asked to show the team that the nation is behind them by tweeting their messages of support using the hashtag #CarryThemHome in the lead up to the tournament, which takes place fromAugust 1-17.

Sports fans from across the world of politics, celebrity, sport and even the British Monarchy have already pledged their support to the team and the RFU will be publically unveiling these high profile messages of support in the coming weeks. The RFU hope these pledges will give rise to a wave of patriotism that will carry England Women to success in Paris.

In conjunction with the campaign launch, the RFU has released a unique promotional film starring Chris Robshaw and members of the England Women’s team. The film showcases the technique and speed of England Women as well as the unity between the England Men and Women’s squads.

England Women’s Captain, Katy Mclean, said of the campaign: “We are feeling confident going into the World Cup in Paris. Knowing we’ve got the country behind us will give us a massive boost and hopefully spur us on to World Cup glory. It will be incredible reading everyone’s messages of support before we head onto the pitch.”

England Men’s Captain, Chris Robshaw, added: “All the boys will be right behind England Women this summer and it would be great to see all sports fans in England doing the same. Having closely followed the team I know they are very talented and extremely competitive and I can’t wait to see them take on the rest of the world in Paris.”

Nicola Ponsford, the RFU’s Head of Performance (Women), added: “Following on from the last Rugby World Cup in 2010 and with the help of the 2012 Olympic Games, the profile of women’s sport has increased and we want to maximise this opportunity  to create mass support for the team. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is set to be a global showcase for the world’s top 12 teams, and it is going to be a superb spectacle with lots of great rugby to watch.  We would like everyone to show their support for England Women ahead of the tournament – whether you’re an armchair sports fan or diehard rugby fan.”

England will play Samoa on August 1, Spain on August 5 and Canada on August 9 at Marcoussis. The semi-finals and final take place on August 13 and 17 at the Stade Jean Bouin.