WOMENS RUGBY WORLD CUP: THURROCK’s stars played their part as England won the Womens Rugby World Cup final.

England defeated Canada 21-9 to take the trophy in Paris at the weekend. And the triumpant England team included major contributions from Oakfield regular Rachael Burford and new T-Birds signing Kay Wilson.

Burford could hardly contain her joy after the bruising match.

She said: “We are World Champions Thanks to everyone involved in making this dream come true!”

And victory was followed by a whirlwind of media activity with Burford and other team members whisked off to TV studios.

She Tweeted: “We’re on our way to ITV and I will be on Good Morning Britain.”

The England victory in Paris ended a run of three successive final defeats as the nation finally got their hands on the Women’s World Cup. The Red Roses led by five points inside the final 10 minutes but Emily Scarratt barged though and raced into the corner to make sure of victory. Scarratt scored another 11 points with the boot while Danielle Waterman rounded off a first-half team try. It was an impressive final display against first time finallists Canada.

England captain Katy Mclean said: “We’ve worked so hard for this, and there are so many great legends that have gone before us that haven’t won in an England shirt, and that’s for all of them who are here today.” Canada players Canada had drawn 13-13 with England in the group stages of the competition.

England’s players – many of whom took unpaid leave from their regular jobs to compete in the tournament – lifted the trophy in front of a 22,000 capacity crowd at the Stade Jean-Bouin.