Red-hot trophy favorite England has launched its home bid for the Women’s Rugby World Cup crown by thrashing the United States 69-7 in front of a record-sized crowd in Sunderland.

England thumped the United States 69-7 at the Stadium of Light on Friday to kick off their Women's Rugby World Cup campaign in style.

A fan zone for 2,000 spectators is to open in Brighton, as the city prepares to host two matches in the Women's Rugby World Cup. England will play Australia at the Amex Stadium on 6 September, with New Zealand playing Ireland at the same venue the following day.