Maud Muir lifted the Rugby World Cup on home soil last September, playing in front of a record 81,885 fans as England secured the title. The Gloucester‑Hartpury prop answered a video request from England cricket all‑rounder Freya Kemp, urging her to “embrace” the roar of home supporters and use the familiar environment as a calming escape. Muir’s own experience of handling pressure underlines the advice.

Born into a cricket family, Muir spent winters on the rugby pitch and summers on the crease before dedicating herself to the front row. She remembers fielding and occasional wicket‑keeping but concedes she lacked the talent to advance. Known for “boshing” defenders – her signature power tackles – she has steered England toward an eighth straight Six Nations title with three bonus‑point victories.

Before Saturday’s clash in Parma, Muir will visit a pottery studio to shape a ramen bowl, a quirky ritual that tempers her on‑field aggression. The Red Roses head the table after an 84‑7 demolition of Scotland, which coincided with Muir’s 50th cap and her father’s kilted appearance in the stands. A victory in Italy preserves England’s bid for a fifth straight Grand Slam.