EXETER Cathedral has hosted a Women’s Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony for the French and Italian teams.

The two international teams will be based in Exeter for the month-long tournament, which begins on August 22.

The teams processed into the Cathedral for the ceremony along with the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Dr Mike Harrison, the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Rev Jonathan Greener, Exeter’s Lord Mayor, members of the Exeter Chiefs women’s team and others.

They were greeted with loud cheers and applause from the hundreds of representatives of local women and girls’ rugby teams who had been invited to the Cathedral from across the region.

The Very Rev Jonathan Greener said: “I’m thrilled to have hosted the opening ceremony for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. It’s the first time in 975 years that the Cathedral has ever hosted a world cup event, so that’s a huge excitement and joy and privilege for us all.”

Before the ceremony the Bishop of Exeter, supported by the Bishop of Crediton and Bishop of Plymouth, hosted the Exeter Chief’s Women’s team and other rugby representatives for a celebration event at the Bishop’s Palace.

Emily Robinson, a player for the Exeter Chiefs Women, said: “This is really exciting, Exeter’s a rugby city and a sporting city and it’s a brilliant place to host the World Cup.

“People here really love sport, and I know the support for the teams and for the games will be really immense, which will be brilliant for those taking part in the World Cup.”

Bishop Mike and the Cathedral Dean were each presented with a commemorative world cup rugby ball by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Ann Jobson.

The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Moira Astin, said: “It’s so exciting to have this competition here in Exeter and to meet the women’s teams.

“When I was in my teens and 20s no-one could even contemplate that women would be allowed to play rugby.

“It’s so wonderful to see women fulfilling their potential in rugby as well as in other sports.

“I think we are finding those who said women would not be as good as men are eating their words. It’s good that girls are getting to see that sport is for them.”

During the Cathedral ceremony the French and Italian teams were officially welcomed and presented with commemorative caps.

The team captains made speeches thanking the people of Exeter for their welcome and said they were looking forward to the start of the tournament.

France and Italy will play each other at Exeter’s Sandy Park on Saturday, August 23.