Six Nations-shattering England turn to Black Ferns challenge at World Cup

There was an obvious determination among England’s grand slam winners to savour the moment after completing their clean sweep against France on Saturday but it was back to reality soon enough for Simon Middleton’s side.

England teams tend to travel with British Airways – one of the Rugby Football Union’s sponsors – but the airline does not fly from Biarritz and it was an early start and a lengthy coach journey the morning after the night before. For whatever reason no extra flight was chartered.

It serves as a reminder that for all the progress made during the competition – two record crowds in Leicester and Gloucester and a sold-out stadium in Bayonne on Saturday, not to mention a peak BBC Two audience of 700,000 – there is much more to be made.

England can at least take solace that in every other facet they exude professionalism and this Six Nations triumph in which they scored 45 tries, conceding just four, may yet prove to be a significant moment in the history of the sport.

For it has jolted their rivals into belated action over contracting players and, though the gap is a chasm between England, France and the rest there now seems a will to act. The image of Ireland’s Aoife McDermott back at work the day after facing England has endured and Sarah Bern, scorer of two of the Red Roses’ tries on Saturday, issued a warning over the welfare of players who face such situations.

“I have a lot of friends who play for Wales, Scotland and Ireland [and] it is really hard work,” she said. “Things need to change not just for the rugby but for the girls’ own mental health. I’m always there to fight for their corner because I think everyone should have equal opportunity.”

If change is coming, it is unlikely to bear fruit on the