Breach summoning PWR experience for first World Cup semi-final

Jess Breach is preparing to call on her big game Premiership Women’s Rugby experience to guide her through her first Rugby World Cup semi-final. 

The Saracens winger was not selected for England’s victory over Canada at the same stage three years ago. 

But she has played every match as the Red Roses put themselves on the precipice of a seventh straight World Cup final. 

“It's not my first semi-final,” she said. “I've been in a lot with PWR teams and a lot of finals within that, so I think it's the same process.  

“Maybe a bigger stage, but I think I've worked really hard on the last three years of rounding my game, being a better player on and off the pitch.

Are you ready? 💥

Your @RedRosesRugby squad for the semi-finals against France is here#PWR | #RWC25 pic.twitter.com/7W1MziA3Zq

— Premiership Women's Rugby (@ThePWR) September 18, 2025

“That's what's got me into the team and I'm just super excited to get on the pitch with the girls and hopefully get our way to Twickenham.” 

Breach will again be lining up alongside Ellie Kildunne who has returned from concussion protocols to start at full-back. 

The sensation has scored two tries in the World Cup, both in the opening game, but has not yet hit the heights many expected. 

However, her Rugby Rodeo podcast co-host Breach thinks that may all be about to change. 

She added: “She was obviously a bit upset and there is nothing you can do around having a concussion. 

“But she’s worked really hard to get back, I think she’s got itchy feet and is really excited. 

“The World Cup hasn’t yet seen what she is capable of, and I think that is really exciting in these latter stages. Hopefully we can see that.” 

Kildunne’s star was set to launch into the stratosphere at this World Cup, with the 26-year-old looking to rival Ilona Maher for the biggest name at the tournament. 

And Breach believes Kildunne’s status as a poster girl has been something she has taken in her stride.

Harlequins' Ellie Kildunne is Rooted in PWR 🧡🌹

From making her Red Roses debut at 18 years old to being crowned World Rugby Player of the Year in 2024, Ellie is an England superstar 🙌

We hope to see her back in action this weekend 💪

Click the link here to read more 👉… pic.twitter.com/0z3Wol411V

— Premiership Women's Rugby (@ThePWR) September 17, 2025

The winger added: “I don’t think it affects her, if I am honest. She really enjoys that kind of media, marketing.  

“She is all about performing on the pitch and hopefully we get to see that against France.  

“She probably likes seeing her face all around the stadiums and in the adverts, I’m pretty sure she gets a buzz off the back of that.” 

England are aiming to book a place in a seventh straight World Cup final and go one better than their defeat to New Zealand three years ago. 

France are aiming for a first-ever final, but have seen bans for Axelle Berthoumieu and co-captain Manae Feleu disrupt the build-up. 

They have made five personnel changes, plus two positional ones, as they look to roll the dice and get a first win over England in 17 meetings. 

It means forwards coach Louis Deacon expects Les Bleues to be galvanised by their struggles. 

He said: “We certainly know what to expect, one thing this week is that they have faced a bit of adversity.  

“They will definitely use it. They will want to come out of the blocks. 

“We are ready to fight, we are ready to hunt them down. There are no nerves, they are just looking forward to the game.” 

With more than 400,000 tickets already sold, and prices starting at just £5 for children and £10 for adults, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets now via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com