A back-to-back European champion was the Red Roses’ number one supporter as they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Chloe Kelly, fresh from sealing a second successive Euros victory for England women, cheered on John Mitchell’s side to a 92-3 victory over Samoa, catching up with the team in the changing rooms.

The tournament hosts needed little inspiration as they made it two bonus-point wins in succession, and they are now guaranteed a place in the last eight.

Having changed 13 players from the team that saw off the USA in their opener, England dominated from the off, running in 14 tries in all.

Among them was a hat-trick for winger Jess Breach, who brought up a half-century of England tries in the process.

She said: "Going into the game, I knew I had the opportunity to score 50 tries, didn't think it was going to be a hat-trick within that. The team did really well.

“I've got to thank my forwards, we had a lot of penalties in the scrum, and they worked hard, and then my inside backs obviously were able to release the ball and let me get over the white line.

“I saw (Chloe Kelly) on the big screen and I was like, 'has anyone else seen her?' She came into the changing room with us after so we all got to meet her personally and I think it's pretty special, women supporting women.

“We supported the Lionesses throughout their Euros campaign, and I think they'll do the same for us. It's amazing she was here in person.”

Ireland battle through before Black Ferns blockbuster

Joining England in the last eight are Ireland, who emerged victorious after an entertaining tussle with Spain.

Scott Bemand’s team never trailed but found themselves pegged back a couple of times by the Spanish on their way to a 43-27 win in Northampton.

Anna McGann and Grace Moore scored two tries apiece, while Linda Djougang brought up her 50th cap with another fine performance.

Ireland will now play for top spot in Pool C against New Zealand next week in Brighton, with prop Djougang blown away at the honour of making it to a half-century.

She said: "It feels amazing, it’s such an honour, especially to win at the world’s biggest stage, especially with the girls. It's been incredible, what a journey.

“I wouldn't have achieved what I achieved if it wasn’t for them, if it wasn't for the management giving me opportunity, if it wasn't for my first cap, if it wasn't for this young girl dreaming and dreaming big. I'm really grateful for everybody pushing me. It's been a tough journey, but it's all worth it.

“We just really wanted to win and get ourselves to the quarter-final and it's exactly what we did. It's something I definitely will remember for the rest of my life.”

Scotland into quarter-finals as Wales bow out

The third home nation to secure safe passage into the last eight are Scotland, who overcame Fiji in Salford.

That, combined with Canada’s win over Wales ensures that Bryan Easson’s side are into the quarter-finals for the first time in 24 years, with Wales’s hopes of progressing ended as a result.

Skipper Rachel Malcolm led the team three years ago when they narrowly missed out on the quarter-finals and was understandably emotional at righting that wrong thanks to a 29-15 win over Fiji.

She said: "It means absolutely everything to us. After heartbreak of our last World Cup campaign, I think getting through to the quarter-finals been a massive goal. It [Rugby World Cup 2025] is not done yet, but we're very happy to have achieved that.

“Coming off the back of last week was really tough. That was a massive high for us, we knew that was going to be a pretty decisive game in this pool stage.

“I'm just really proud of how the entire 32 has continued to improve for this week and how we've built into this one. To come away with the win and five points is everything we're after, so we're buzzing.”

Wales needed to beat Canada, the world’s number two side, to have any realistic hope of getting through.

And while they started well, and had chances to lead in the opening quarter, they eventually were beaten 42-0 by the North American side.

That leaves a final clash with Fiji to round out their World Cup campaign, with captain Bethan Lewis taking some positives from the game despite the defeat.

She said: "Obviously there's disappointment with that finishing scoreline but the first 10-15 minutes, we showed what we can do. It's just about doing that for the full 80 and not allowing lapses of concentration. I'm proud of how we've come out after last week but I know we've got more to give."