
Lilli Ives Campion relishing home of a home Rugby World Cup
She is the youngest forward in the squad, with the likes of Abbie Ward, skipper Zoe Aldcroft and Rosie Galligan among those who are battling for places in her position.
With that level of competition for places, the intensity in training is ferocious and Ives Campion is desperate to ensure she does everything in her power to make the final squad that will look to win the World Cup for the first time since 2014, with the final set to be held at Allianz Stadium on September 27.
She said: 'It's been pretty intense, probably one of the most intense things I've done so far. But there is a real sense of togetherness so when it does get tough, it's really nice as a group that we can come together and battle through. We've been really tested a few times now, so it's been good.
'That decision (over selection) will happen but it's what can I do between now and then to put myself in the best possible position to be picked for that squad? You have to be where you are and embrace that and then that is the bigger picture. Whatever will be, will be. I need to go out there and do my best, whatever that looks like, whether it is gym or training.
'I remember watching the World Cup in Ireland in 2017 on TV at home. It was the first time I think I'd ever watched women's rugby on TV. I was playing but just for my local club, I didn't really know anything about rugby at that point. The thought of a home World Cup is so incredible and such a rare opportunity. The impact it is going to have on the game and girls going forward is incredible so I'd love to be involved in that.'
Ives Campion, who plays her club rugby for Loughborough Lightning, has enjoyed a rapid rise, going from playing for England Under-20s last summer to being part of the England squad that triumphed in WXV at the end of last year.
That came after she had made her Red Roses debut in a warm-up match against France, with Ives Campion then making a first start against Italy earlier this year as England won a seventh successive Six Nations title.
It proved to be her only appearance in the tournament, with Ives Campion then taking on a different role of helping her teammates prepare for the remaining four matches, but she is trying to take as much as possible from every training session with her more experienced colleagues.
She added: 'That (Italy game) was incredible. Coming into that week, I was super excited and I think it's actually quite nice to start a game. You have nerves with the anthem but the minute the ball is kicked, you lock into the game rather than on the bench, you can sit and watch the nerves just build up and build up.
'My role post-Italy was very much prepping the team, how can I best perform that role for the team? I really embraced that over the few weeks. I feel like I learn a lot. When you see the competition in my position, I'm still only 21 and I have so much to learn. So to have eight weeks like that, it's really important to learn.'
Those lessons were learned and it is now a case of trying to put them into practice to earn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Purchase your tickets to the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Prince William and Princess Charlotte spotted at Euros final cheering on England
Prince William and Princess Charlotte have been spotted cheering on England's women football team at the Euros final. The Prince of Wales and his 10-year-old daughter travelled to Basel, Switzerland, to support the team during their final clash with Spain. The match, broadcast live on both BBC One and ITV1, comes after England beat Italy 2-1 in the semi-final in Geneva on Tuesday evening. On Saturday, William, who is patron of the FA, sent a special message to the Lionesses. He wrote on X: "Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on! W." In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the Royal Family's official X account posted: "Wishing the very best of luck to the Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening." The King and Queen also wished the team their "warmest congratulations" after the semi-final earlier this week. Charles said: "Knowing the Lionesses' fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday. "Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more. Charles R." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "Into the final and inspiring the nation. Let's bring it home." Meanwhile, cricketer Joe Root wished the Lionesses' the "very best of luck" in an online message, adding: "It's been great to watch you play throughout the tournament." Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson said the team has "absolutely smashed it," adding that "everybody is so proud of you". The Lionesses will be looking for redemption against Spain, who edged them 1-0 in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. England boss Sarina Wiegman said the team is "going to do everything we can to win it" and she would prefer to avoid a "nerve-wracking" match.


Daily Mirror
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Spice Girls' 'Girl Power' tribute as they lead celeb support of England's Euro 2025 final
Celebrities joined England fans in wishing the Lionesses the best of luck ahead of tonight's Euro 2025 final showdown with Spain in Basel, Switzerland Celebrities are gathering in force to pay special tribute to England Women's football team as they bid for back-to-back European success tonight. The Lionesses take on Spain in Basel, Switzerland, hoping to lift the Euro trophy once again, three years on from their maiden success. However, they know they are up against it as they face a Spanish side who defeated them in the World Cup final in 2023. In preparation, the group has been turning up the volume to Heather Small's Proud tune as they keep their pre-game ritual in tact. But as Serena Wiegman's team gets their game face on for once last hurdle in the tournament, celebs have took to social media to send their own messages of support. Among them was the Spice Girls. The iconic girl band's official Instagram and Twitter /X accounts shared the same message alongside a snap of the group - minus Victoria Beckham - posing on stage. Melanie C also wore an England shirt in the image, as their rallying call read: Come on @Lionesses! We wish you the best of luck for the #WEURO2025 final today #GirlPower @England" EastEnders star and staunch football fan Ross Kemp give a video message to the girls, saying: "I just want to wish the Lionesses all the very very best against Spain. You have the skill, you have the mindset, you have the talent, and you have backing so come on England and come on the Lionesses." Quiz show guru Shaun Wallace, best known as The Dark Destroyer on ITV's The Chase also shared two video messages in support. His first saw him give an inspirational quote. He also captioned his post: "Let's hope the Lionesses get the gift of a great performance and bringing it home tonight! Make the most of everyday, every day is a gift. Have a fantastic Sunday and good luck to the Lionesses tonight." He quickly followed it up with another message, saying: "Bring it home Lionesses," with a video of him saying: "This is a special message for the England Lionesses. Good luck today girls, let's bring that trophy home." The Royal Family's official account also gave a rousing message to the squad. It shared a superb version of It's Coming Home outside of Buckingham Palace. Alongside the upload, they wrote: "Let's go girls!! Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening. And Sarah Ferguson also gave them the royal seal of approval. Getting her message in early, she said on Friday: "We're all behind you Lionesses. Best of luck tomorrow!" The occasion comes almost three years to the day since Wiegman's team changed the face of women's football in England following their defeat of Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley. On that occasion Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner would pass into English football folklore. Then, a little over a year later, there was heartbreak as Spain beat the Lionesses 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney. The result came despite the heroics of legendary goalkeeper Mary Earps. And now England is once again getting behind the team as they bid to lift another coveted trophy.


ITV News
an hour ago
- ITV News
The evolution of Spain
Spain captain Irene Paredes says the World Champions have the same essence, but are a different team to that which won the World Cup against England in 2023