17th August 2014, Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, England 21–9 Canada
As I approached the Stade Jean Bouin
in Paris, the bars were spilling out onto the street with rugby union
fans. This might be all too familiar to followers of the sport, but for a
Women’s World Cup final, hours out from kick-off, this was special. The
French have always loved and nurtured their women’s side and despite
France not being in the final, plenty of their fans would stay on in the
stadium to join English and Canadian supporters watch their countries
battle for the ultimate prize.
As a rugby commentator this was my second women’s World Cup final. The occasion had grown immeasurably in four years. I was joined in the commentary box for BBC Radio 5Live by former England international Amy Turner. She’d been on the losing side in 2010 and 2006. The outcome in 2014 was different and Amy’s happy tears alongside me when the final whistle blew were special to witness. The Red Roses were World Champions for the first time in twenty years with a 21–9 victory. England had lost the previous three finals and it was Amy’s tears that showed the pain of history being released.
An honour to be there, but an even greater
honour to share the moment with Amy.
Memory added on February 27, 2021
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