Surrey Sports Park chief executive Jason Harborow admits the facilities the new-look facility give every women’s World Cup player the opportunity to put on a tournament to remember later this summer.
Every team will eat, sleep, train and play at the multi-million pound facility with the base resembling an Olympic Village for the early part of the competition.
Harlequins have also recently agreed a 20-year deal to have their training base at SSP and England’s senior squad management have also paid the Guildford venue, Europe’s biggest sports park, a visit.
The semi-finals and final will switch to Quins’ Stoop home but Harborow is thrilled to play host to the biggest tournament in the women’s game.
“It’s going to be a fantastic place to be while the tournament is in the group stages and the next round and I’m convinced all of the teams are going to love it,” said Harborow.
“Everything is in place here and there’s going to be a great atmosphere around the park.
“It’s been a tight turnaround since we won the bid last September but the RFUW and the IRB were delighted with what we’ve got to offer and we’re ready to go.
“Every player that is involved will be treated like a world class athlete and this will help build the credibility of the game.”
Tournament director and RFUW managing director Rosie Williams certainly made her mind-up quickly last year when she was looking at venues.
She said: “The brand new multi sports facility at Surrey Sports Park will provide a wonderful venue for the players, with exceptional match day pitches, leading training facilities and a world-class athletes village all on site.”
The 12-team tournament begins on August 20 with six matches on an action-packed first day and Harborow believes rugby fans are in for a treat.
Gary Street’s England side will start as joint favourites with holders New Zealand and Harborow wants the crowds to back the women by turning out in force.
“The great thing about the women’s game is that it’s very attractive to watch for all spectators,” added Harborow.
“It’s never going to be as physical as the men’s game but it’s very open and flowing and I’m really looking to see the matches.
“We’ve seen a lot of the England team and they have really impressed me with their approach – they will certainly get the home crowd behind them here.”
