Alex Matthews says captaining England in front of her terminally ill father 'means everything'

England number eight Alex Matthews will captain the Red Roses against Australia in their final pool match of the Women's Rugby World Cup at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium on Saturday. The 32-year-old will lead the side in front of her father, Dave, who has terminal cancer, marking the first time he will watch her play live at a World Cup.

Matthews's father, Dave, who overcame prostate cancer in 2014 and was diagnosed with a terminal recurrence in 2023, has travelled to Brighton to support his daughter. "It means everything that he and my mum will be there," Matthews said. "This will be my family's first World Cup game."

Leadership changes

Regular captain Zoe Aldcroft is recovering from a knee injury, so Matthews was appointed skipper by head coach John Mitchell. Matthews previously captained the side in September's WXV1 tournament, leading England to a 61-21 win against the USA.

Mitchell praised her as "a world-class player whose performances speak for themselves."

Reuniting with Jo Yapp

Matthews will face Australian head coach Jo Yapp, her former coach at Worcester from 2020 to 2022. Yapp, who took charge of the Wallaroos after Worcester Women folded, will oversee her final tournament with Australia. "She's done so much for the game and genuinely cares about her players," Matthews said. "I hope she gives me a hug after the game."

Leading out England in front of her terminally-ill father is a moment Matthews never imagined but will cherish, underscoring rugby's personal and emotional power.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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