Ex-England rugby captain talks up Red Roses’ chances while collecting MBE

England’s Red Roses are looking every inch like the team to beat in this year’s rugby World Cup, a former tournament-winning captain has said.

Karen Almond, 59, who in 1994 became the first English player – male or female – to lift a XVs World Cup, was speaking after picking up an MBE for her services to women’s rugby.

She said: “England’s chances are very good and they are looking very strong at the moment.

“At the moment England would have to be the very strong favourites. However, the competition is in New Zealand and you never discount the New Zealand team.

“There are also the French to consider as they are a very strong team. It is not going to be easy but I do think England have got a very good chance.

“They have very good strength in depth. They are very professional and very prepared.”

The former England rugby captain said she was “chuffed”, and collecting her “very special” award from the Duke of Cambridge at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace.

England became the second team to lift the trophy in 1994, following on from the United States’ triumph in the inaugural 1991 competition.

The Red Roses beat the defending champions 38-23 in Edinburgh to lift the first of England’s two Women’s Rugby World Cup titles to date.

Ms Almond said: “It is very special to win the World Cup. At the time we were just playing in the tournament and trying to avenge the defeat from 1991.

“As the years have gone by you realise how special that moment was.”

Ms Almond said it had been a “bit of mammoth” task to the collect her MBE as she travelled from her home in Christchurch, New Zealand, and brought her relatives down from their homes in Hull, East Yorkshire, including her 86-year-old father David to celebrate.

Being back in England has