As England’s Red Roses head into the World Cup final tomorrow, it might be the largest audience that women’s rugby has ever seen. With its TikTok superstars and crocheting players, it’s creating new fans and connecting with people in ways the men's teams can only dream of. So why has it taken so long to get here?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Elgan Alderman, Co-host, The Times' Rugby podcast, The Ruck.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Shabnam Grewal.

Read more: Rugby World Cup: how Canada ‘crowdfunded’ way to final

Further listening: The Ruck: Women's Rugby World Cup final preview!

Clips: @worldrugby, BBCSport, ITN News, @mandabed, @rugbyworldcup, @nwsirensgirlsrfu, @ilonamaher, Whistledown Productions, BBC Radio4, englandrugby.

Photo: Getty Images

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.

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