ENGLAND scrum-half Andy Gomarsall's mother is heading out to Paris as the family gathers to watch him play in the World Cup Final.

Sue Gomarsall and daughter Emily could barely contain their excitement as they carefully folded their rugby jerseys for the big night.

The scrum-half has strong ties with the county after playing for Bicester Rugby Club and Oxford Brookes University before turning professional.

Mrs Gomarsall, from Langford Village, near Bicester, was not even sure if she would get to see her son before the big kick-off.

She said: "It's doubtful that we'll see Andy before the match because the whole team have to be so focused."

Mrs Gomarsall has been overwhelmed by the support for her son, and said she could not wait to hand over every newspaper cutting and email message.

She said: "Lots of people have been wishing Andrew and the team well, which is very nice and a big thank-you to each and every one of you. Everybody at work knows I'm going and have shown a lot of support. I've printed out every emailed message from people across the county who have sent them in and kept every newspaper article which has featured Andy - all of which I will give him after the game."

His sister Emily, 21, said: "Last week, I was jumping up and down and cried because I was that excited about going to the final.

"I could not believe that we had got through and had to go to the pub for a drink to calm my nerves!

"All my friends keep contacting me and telling me how proud they are of my brother."

Mrs Gomarsall, who works in the planning department of Savills, in Oxford, believes England can win against South Africa.

She said: "Whatever the result, the whole team is going to come back heroes. I think they can do it."

Andy has had a roller-coaster 18 months, which saw him leave Worcester Warriors, play for a pub team, become a father of twins, sign for London club Harlequins, then win back the coveted England No 9 shirt.

Mrs Gomarsall said: "We're both excited about getting to Paris. There will be some time to kill before the kick-off and we plan to have a look around.

"Now we know who we're playing, I just want to get on and watch it."

They will be joined by Andy's proud father Jack, who has been to every single match, Andy's wife Francesca and the couple's two daughters, Olivia and Indianna.

Jack, Peter Ferens, of Marsh Gibbon, and Tony Stratton, of Headington, were organisers of Bicester Mini Rugby Club, where Andy began his career.

Mr Ferens said Andy showed signs of brilliance from a young age.

His sons Michael, 34, of Woodstock, and Tim, 31, of High Wycombe, both played with Andy at Bicester.

He said: "Andy has always been a good player. He was someone that stood out during the early stages of his rugby playing.

"There were a lot of kids that were good at the time he was playing and after he went to Bedford School, he played for a very good side which won everything.

"He was in the right place at the right time and I wish him well for this weekend's match."