Women's Rugby World Cup's brutal reality: Samoa players fundraising costs

• Guardian survey of team finances reveals mixed picture for players

• England contracts range from £39,000 to £48,000 plus match fees

The Women's Rugby World Cup will make a glitzy start on Friday night in front of a global TV audience, but a Guardian survey of the 16 competing nations has discovered the brutal financial reality for many athletes taking part.

Half of the 32-strong Samoa squad are raising funds to cover the costs of their mortgages and household bills while taking part in the tournament in England, according to one of their players, Nina Foaese, a 36-year-old mother of three.