Knight: Landscape of women's sport changed – England want World Cup legacy

Marlie Knight, England's women's rugby captain, has spoken passionately about the changed landscape of women's sport as her team pushes for World Cup glory. The tournament, which has seen record attendance and viewership, represents a pivotal moment for the sport's growth and visibility.

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"The environment around women's sport has completely transformed," Knight said in an exclusive interview. "When I first started playing, we had to fight for basic resources. Now we're playing in packed stadiums with millions watching on television. This World Cup isn't just about winning matches – it's about building something that will outlast our careers."

England enters the tournament as one of the favourites, alongside New Zealand and Canada. Their opening match against South Africa drew an attendance of over 50,000 at Twickenham, a record for women's rugby outside of occasional exhibition matches. The RFU has committed to maintaining these investment levels regardless of tournament outcomes.

The legacy focus extends beyond the pitch. England Rugby has launched grassroots initiatives targeting schools in underserved areas, with a goal of recruiting 50,000 new female players by 2030. This follows the model established by the Lionesses' success at the Women's Euro 2022, which sparked exponential growth in girls' football participation.

Knight emphasised the importance of visible role models: "When young girls see us playing at this level, with this infrastructure, it changes what's possible in their minds. We owe it to the next generation to keep pushing boundaries." The squad includes several players who have transitioned from other sports, demonstrating the growing professional appeal of women's rugby.

With semi-finals looming, Knight remains focused but optimistic. "We've built the foundation. Now it's about executing when it matters most. The legacy we create here will determine how this sport looks in ten years."