Richmond’s Rowena Burnfield says her side are more than capable of flicking the form switch when they host local rivals Wasps Ladies in a fierce London derby at the Athletic Ground on Sunday.

While it’s been a hugely disappointing season so far for Richmond Women, with just the one win from their first eight matches, the vastly experienced Burnfield says things can be turned around quickly.

“We’re extremely disappointed with where we sit after the first eight matches but equally we’re hugely determined to improve”, she said.

“Our defeat against Waterloo Women last Saturday was probably the most frustrated we have been all season. We made simple errors, missed five to six huge opportunities to score and gave Waterloo the momentum to run away with the match.

“If we can learn from our mistakes and improve our decision making in crucial areas, I have full confidence in our ability to bounce back and start winning matches.”

The experienced number eight, who has 49 England test caps to her name, says her side can take inspiration from being in the exactly same position last season.

“This time last season we were in a very similar situation and managed to fight ourselves out of a form slump to win three of our next four matches.

“There’s no doubt Wasps are going to be pose a huge challenge on Sunday, but with local bragging rights up for grabs and with a big Richmond crowd behind us, I’m confident we can lift our game and hopefully snatch a much needed win!”

Richmond Women host Wasps Ladies this Sunday at the Athletic Ground (KO 3:3pm). Tickets are just £5 and can be purchased at the gate.