The Women’s Championship starts next Friday with last year’s runners up England travelling to Dublin to play Ireland, while Scotland host Italy in Glasgow on the same night.

Reigning champions France will get their title defence underway in a Saturday-evening clash with Wales in Montpellier. 

The 2019 edition of the Women’s Six Nations will be another landmark Championship in terms of growth and change for women’s rugby, with England competing as full-time professionals for the first time. 

And England captain Sarah Hunter is keen to build upon that progress at this year’s Championship by boosting the profile of women’s rugby across the country. 

She said: “Our preparations have been going well, especially with the news at the beginning of the year that we were going to be full-time professionals. 

England Women have home matches in Doncaster, Exeter and at Twickenham this year, with Sarah enjoying touring around: “It’s hugely important for us to go and showcase the Red Roses around the country, when we play in Doncaster and Exeter, and show what we are all about. 

“Last time we played at Castle Park (Doncaster) the fans were amazing. Wherever we go we’ll have the Red Rose support along the way.”