RICHMOND RFC captain Amy Turner has been handed a place in the starting line-up for England’s opening Women' s Rugby World Cup game on Friday.

Turner played just five minutes of England’s 2006 final defeat to New Zealand and has been granted her wish of playing a more important role this time round.

England take on Ireland at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford on Friday, with Turner looking to make a big impact.

She said: “I was disappointed to only make the bench in 2006, but these things happen for a reason, and now I’m ready to put a few demons to bed.”

England last played Ireland in the RBS 6 Nations and inflicted a 22-5 defeat on the Irish on route to claiming a fifth consecutive and unprecedented RBS 6 Nations title.

Head Coach Gary Street said: “The prospect of playing our first game is really exciting. We know our preparations have been excellent and now we are just looking forward to kicking off our world cup campaign.

“Ireland have some good forwards and some skilful backs. They are also very competitive in the line out. We are certainly expecting this to be a tough opener, but at the same time we are confident in our ability.”

Turner’s Richmond team-mate Emma Croker has to settle for a place on the bench.