‘We can have the limelight and all eyes on us’ - Jess

More eyes than ever before are likely to be on the Women’s Six Nations this year and the message from England star Jess Breach is simple bring it on.

The Red Roses begin their pursuit of a third successive Championship crown against Scotland on Saturday as the revamped competition gets underway in its own window, having previously run alongside the men’s senior and under-20 campaigns.

The free-scoring wing is looking to add to her stunning tally of 24 tries in 15 appearances for her country and is relishing the prospect of doing so in front of an increased television audience, writes PAUL MARTIN.

‘It’s really exciting - it’s a new structure and something that can put focus on us,’ said the former Chichester RFC junior. ’It’s so important for the women’s game to grow and it means we can have the limelight and all eyes on us.

‘Not being on at the same time as any of the men’s games, when the coverage would be split, is important for sponsors and for people to be able to watch it.

‘The men have finished now but come this weekend, we’re playing and there will still be Six Nations rugby going on. It will be really interesting to see how it all plays out.’

The condensed format for this year sees the Red Roses take on Scotland and Italy in Pool A knowing victories in both will set up a meeting with the Pool B leaders in a winner-takes-all final on Super Saturday (April 24).

That game on April 24 will be the first England women’s game televised live on the BBC.

Breach’s Harlequins colleague, Vickii Cornborough - a former Portsmouth and Havant player - is also in the starting XV this weekend, winning her 57th cap.

England and France enter the tournament as favourites to contest the showpiece occasion and Breach, 23, insists the intensity of this year’s Six Nations clashes will remain unaltered by a lack of crowds.

Her family - including dad John, who holds Chichester RFC’s club record of 42 tries in one season never missed a match pre-lockdown.

And the day they can take their place in the stands once more will be an emotional occasion given what they have been through since May 2019, when Breach’s mum Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer.

‘When she first told me, I was in shock and questioned whether I should carry on rugby while it was going on,’ she said.

‘But she has always pushed me and told me to follow my dreams. She will always support me and I think if I’d stopped playing or missed games because of it, she’d have been upset, which just shows her character.

‘I’m pleased she didn’t have to go through what she did in lockdown.

‘It will be really special when they can come and watch again. Everyone misses the crowds, and having your friends and family in the stands to cry to or be happy with.

‘When that time comes, it will be amazing for everyone.’