England hit by kit supplier blunder on eve of Women's Rugby World Cup in major blow to fans
John Mitchell's side are firm favourites to seal global glory on English soil and will kick-off the tournament against the USA at Sunderland 's Stadium of Light on Friday.
But Daily Mail Sport has learned there has been a shortage in the production of the replica jerseys, which will be worn by players like Ellie Kildunne and Natasha Hunt, by Castore. England's Women's Rugby World Cup kit is not available on the RFU's official online store.
It also cannot be bought in sports and leisure shops up and down the country.
A small number of official shirts will be on sale at the Stadium of Light and other England tournament match venues. But they are expected to sell out very quickly and won't then be available anywhere else. 'We can confirm official England Rugby World Cup shirts are now in short supply as fans continue to show their amazing support for the Red Roses,' Castore said in a statement. 'Online stores are now sold out, but stock will be available at England game match venues.
'There is a wide range of other Red Roses products available for fans to buy, including official Rugby World Cup branded merchandise with additional products to be launched in the coming weeks. This is all available on the England Rugby store online.
'We're confident Red Roses fans will have plenty of product to purchase and we thank supporters for their amazing support.'
The fact such small numbers of England World Cup kits are available before a ball has even been kicked in the hotly-anticipated tournament reflects badly on Castore's support for the women's game. Castore became official kit supplier to the RFU earlier this year, replacing Umbro. It is understood Castore's shortfall is down to a logistical issue which resulted in not enough shirts being ordered by the company. The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is set to be the biggest yet, with nearly 500,000 tickets sold and the September 27 final at Twickenham already at capacity. England's women's regular match shirt, with sponsor O2 on the front, can still be bought online.
But the tournament jersey, with red trim and no sponsor, cannot.
World Cup rules state teams aren't allowed to showcase brand deals on their kits. However, the Castore shortfall of World Cup shirts means organiser World Rugby has allowed the RFU to sell its regular women's jerseys, with O2 on the front, at match venues.
It is understood the RFU has been left hugely frustrated by the kit supplier mix-up and has looked to rectify it but with no immediate joy.
Other England Women's Rugby World Cup merchandise, including the team's new range of Barbie-inspired clothing, can still be bought.
The RFU is also soon to release a clothing partnership with the Spice Girls.
It is hard to escape the fact, however, that a shortage of England kit simply would not happen in the men's game, especially on the eve of a home World Cup.
Castore's error brings back memories of Nike's decision not to put the shirt of former England women's football goalkeeper Mary Earps on public sale ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Earps, now retired from international duty, described it at the time as 'hugely disappointing and very hurtful.'
After England's Lionesses lifted their second consecutive European Championship trophy last month, their rugby counterparts are now looking to emulate that success.
It is a shame, however, many of those watching on in the stands and at home in the weeks to come won't be able to be decked out in team merchandise.
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