Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp has been someone right at the centre of the progression of women’s rugby, earning 70 caps for England as a player and taking part in three World Cups, making two finals.
Now, entering back into the arena for the first time as a coach, Yapp took the time to recognise what is set to be the biggest Rugby World Cup so far, with the tournament’s tenth iteration already selling over 300,000 tickets before the first whistle has blown.
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“From a presence perspective, it's really grown,” Yapp told rugby.com.au in York.
“The growth of the game in terms of the crowds, the media exposure that it's getting, all those areas have just exploded.”
While Yapp will savour seeing rugby flourish in her home country, there's a strong desire to drive her adopted Wallaroos to their best ever result - a 2010 semi final berth and bronze medal finish - and beyond.
The squad have been in camp for the last week in Manchester, taking time to adjust to the time zone and prepare for an intense pool stage which will see them take the field in Salford against Samoa on August 23rd.
“Since the moment we landed in Manchester, as soon as we got to the airport we've been made to feel really welcome,” Yapp said.
“We've been really well looked after and there's those little touches everywhere we go that highlights we're at a World Cup and it's been really special for the players and the staff.
“There's massive benefits for the players to get over the jet lag first and foremost, because it does take time to come over that.
“To be able to get here, to be able to settle in, to get familiar with our training grounds, to get over the jet lag to allow us to really hit the ground running going into the first game has been really critical.”
In a further boost to the Wallaroos, skipper Siokapesi Palu has rejoined the side after undergoing rehab in Sydney and is hopeful of returning for Australia's August 30 clash with the USA.
“Pesi is a huge part of this group as a leader, as a player, as a person, so to have her back with us is a real lift for everyone," Yapp said.
“One of the big things we said when we came together in Sydney [is] we need to focus on ourselves and our processes and everything we do.
“We had an internal hit out yesterday to get rid of some cobwebs and there was some pretty good physicality in that. Today we review that and then we're into our Samoa prep for tomorrow.”
