RFU hands out 48 women’s contracts and targets retaining 2017 World Cup

• England team branded as ‘Red Roses’ for autumn internationals• RFU plans to double number of women playing contact rugby by 2021Ian Ritchie has announced a blueprint to promote the development and growth of women’s rugby in England through all levels of the game from grassroots to elite. Speaking at its Twickenham launch, the Rugby Football Union’s chief executive also declared his organisation will be “straining every sinew” in its efforts to ensure England retain the World Cup they won in France two years ago when the competition is staged in Ireland next August.As part of its innovation, …