Catherine Spencer (R) will take on familiar foes in Fiona Coghlan's Ireland in round one © Getty Images

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Teams: England

Catherine Spencer will lead England Women into battle in this month's World Cup - Kate Llewellyn-Waters caught up with her to discuss preparation and pressure.

Kate Llewellyn-Waters: How prepared are you for the World Cup?

Catherine Spencer: "We are feeling very prepared - the training camps (spread over 50 days) have been a massive deal for us in terms of confidence. There are various different camps in different locations - we even did an army camp in the Brecon Beacons. We have just had an excellent strength and conditioning camp and feel really good. I'm really enjoying the preparation."

You have been Runners Up in the last 3 World Cups. How are you coping with the pressure to go one better this time?

"We put the pressure on ourselves to do as well as we can do. People expect us to do well and we actually thrive on that pressure. There is more pressure as captain but my job is to perform at No.8. The last few years have been really good for me to grow into the role as captain. The Black Ferns are the current world champions and ranked first but we beat them in November 2009 and so we know we can beat them. We also had a really good Six Nations this year where we won the Grand Slam."

When did you first pick up the oval ball?

"I first started playing rugby when I was five years old kicking the ball around with my dad and brothers. Then I started playing at Folkestone Rugby Club when I was eight. My family is a total rugby family - my brothers play and my dad played as No. 8 for Folkestone and Worthing."

England head coach Gary Street described you as "A wise head on young shoulders" - is that something that has evolved naturally or you have consciously developed?

"I find it amusing that Gary said that as I'm actually the second oldest in the squad! But I am fairly chilled and sensible most of the time. It's just who I am. I perform well under pressure and keep my composure."

You describe yourself as a "mix between Zinzan Brooke and Dean Richards"...

"Dean Richards was an old school No. 8 - he was always in the right place at the right time. I used to really enjoy watching him. I'm confident in my own game as No.8. Obviously you can learn from other people but you have to be confident in your own game. All the girls in the squad have got that confidence in their games."

You recently resigned from your job as an Officer Manager at a Sports Centre near Bristol - How hard is it combing work and rugby?

"I resigned from my job as I really just wanted to concentrate this summer on the World Cup. My work have been really supportive though. It is hard combining it all. My Bristol and England team-mate, Sophie Hemming works all hours as a vet and then has to fit training in as well. I don't know how she does it."

You have had to make a lot of sacrifices by the sound of it.

"It is hard work and I definitely have put my career off for rugby. There have been other sacrifices like missing best mate's weddings but they understand. It is a choice we make. There will be more years we're not playing rugby than we are! As soon as you run out onto the pitch with an England shirt on it is all worth it. It's a complete honour and I wouldn't change it for the world."

You have won numerous awards including England Player of the Year in 2006 and you have 56 Caps. What has been your proudest rugby moment so far?

"Definitely beating New Zealand in November 2009 and getting my 50th cap for this match."

If you could change one rule in rugby what would it be?

"Bring back rucking. If someone is the wrong side of the ball I think they should know about it."