Medway's Rachael Burford is gearing up for what she describes as the biggest tournament of her life.

Burford is part of the England squad at the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens which get under way on Friday. The squad arrived in Dubai on Sunday for the inaugural women's tournament.

Burford said: "It's still a bit surreal being here, it's an incredible place and it's what we have been building towards for the last year.

"This is going to be the biggest tournament of our playing careers. We have come here as prepared as we can be, and we are in good shape.

"Of course, we are not invincible and there's still more we can learn this week but we are certainly feeling ready."

England start their campaign against the USA on Friday before playing Japan and Russia on the same day in the pool stages - the knock-out section takes place the following day.

"Playing our first game against the USA is going to be a big challenge to start the tournament off with," added Burford. "We played them twice in San Diego last month and they took us to sudden death in the final, so they are a very good side.

"We have prepared so well, and we have put everything in place so I think we have the ability to win the world cup, but there are so many talented sides here like the Australians and New Zealanders that we can't take anything for granted."

Burford, who plays for Saracens, has also played in the 2006 XVs World Cup.