Posted: 3 hours ago

In pictures… Ireland rugby women enjoy World Cup welcoming ceremony in their host city Northampton ahead of Sunday’s opening game against Japan

Ulster's Sadhbh McGrath (left) and Ireland team-mate Amee-Leigh Costigan (Pictures ©INPHO/Ben Brady)

Ulster’s Brittany Hogan in the centre

Amee-Leigh Costigan and Aoibheann Reilly
Ireland co-captains Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan with South Africa captain Nolusindiso Booi, Brazil captain Eshyllen Coimbrai and Japan’s Iroha Nagata with their Women’s Rugby World Cup participation caps
Linda Djougang and Ivana Kiripati
The Irish team react to the welcoming band

Emily Lane and Nancy McGillivray

South Africa team dancing at the welcome ceremony
Brazil team dancing at the welcome ceremony
Anna McGann and Grace Moore
The Ireland team with their Rugby World Cup caps