England lock Rosie Galligan has described the support her team has received during the early stages of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 as "magical." The Red Roses have secured significant victories against the United States and Samoa, playing in front of packed stadiums in Sunderland and Northampton respectively.

Their upcoming third and final Pool A match against Australia in Brighton is nearing a sell-out, and Galligan expressed her amazement at the unprecedented fanfare.

"This has been magical. I think Sunderland for me, just the way we were going down the street and had fans in floods, walking towards the stadium, the fireworks as you came off the bus, it genuinely felt like something I've never experienced before," Galligan told media this week.

Galligan highlighted the contrast between playing at home and the 2022 tournament in New Zealand, emphasizing the significant impact of home support.

"I think it just shows how far the sport has come, but also being at home in a tournament compared to being on the other side of the world in New Zealand three years ago, it does make a massive difference."

Securing extra tickets for her family has been a challenge, but Galligan is thrilled to have her loved ones present as England aims to make a strong statement against the Wallaroos.

"I've been going deep into the staff WhatsApp group, trying to get some of their tickets. But no, it'll be so good just to have all of our family and friends here," Galligan said.

Galligan's journey to the World Cup has been inspirational. In 2019, she contracted meningitis, which nearly cost her her legs. After recovering, she broke her ankle in 2020, sidelining her for a year. Despite these setbacks, she returned to make the England squad for the delayed 2022 World Cup and has been a key player ever since.

"We've all got our peaks and troughs, and life is a bit of a rollercoaster both on and off the pitch," Galligan reflected.

"Being able to say that I had meningitis, I broke my ankle, had a year out trying to get back from that and managed to do it... and then I've been involved in the England squad ever since. That for me was a massive achievement."

Galligan's resilience has not only strengthened her physically but also transformed her mentally.

"Not only did I physically get stronger from those real big lows, but I also mentally became a completely different person. So it is just about taking whatever comes with you and your stride. The positives are always the things that you remember but actually knowing that you got through some really dark lulls is also really important to remember."

As England prepares for their crucial match against Australia, Galligan's story and the overwhelming fan support continue to inspire and motivate the team.