Claudia MacDonald gets Rugby World Cup start months after fearing career was over

Claudia MacDonald will start on the wing for England against Fiji in the Women's World Cup tomorrow. She had a neck injury that threatened to end her rugby career. Doctors advised her not to have surgery. MacDonald got a job outside rugby and the latest scan showed she can play contact sport again. She will play with Abby Dow who broke her leg in April. They will come off the bench against World champions Fiji. Rita Ora headlines the opening day at Eden Park in Auckland. The match is expected to draw near 47,000 people.

Fiji's team for the Rugby World Cup is: Radiniyavuni, Nakoci, Laqeretabua, Donu, Naikore, Rokouono, Cavuru, Verebalavu (capt), Matarugu, Rasolea, Serevi, Leweniqila, Waisega, Adivitaloga, and Naisewa.