Following Elizabeth Cartwright’s preview of England’s WXV opener, TRU reflects on a special afternoon in Salford as the world champions celebrated a 48-15 victory, Holly Aitchison’s 50th cap and Lancashire’s contribution to women’s rugby.

The England World Cup winner says she didn’t move back to the North-West to sit in the lower reaches of the PWR table but believes Sale have the foundations to grow on and off the pitch.

England were at their usual, clinical best against Italy on Sunday but there were clear signs that the Red Roses are also beginning to transition into a new era.

Red Roses centre Holly Aitchison spoke to TRU’s Joe Harvey about her road to playing for the world’s number one team as the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand draws ever closer.