The different faces of the women's rugby boom

London:  Women's participation in rugby around the world is at an all-time high, with latest figures showing 2.7 million players involved in the game.

World rugby launched the global campaign 'Try And Stop Us' on Tuesday to build on that success and get even more involved.

AFP Sports spoke to three women from different backgrounds about how they ended up involved in the sport.

Maelle Filopon (France) Filopon's rugby-playing foster family were key in her decision to opt for the sport, although for a time she preferred judo. The dashing centre has not regretted her choice despite the crushing blow of two torn cruciate ligaments -- one in each knee.

The highlight of the Toulouse star's career was a stunning try for France against New Zealand last November in front of her home crowd in Grenoble.

"I was the last one to come out of the dressing room and there was a huge crowd of people. There must have been half my village present. It was impressive," she told AFP.

Filopon, who cannot hear high-pitched or low tones but refuses to wear a hearing aid when playing, fearing it will fall out, said people are overcoming their earlier scepticism about the women's game.

"We went out and had a drink (after the New Zealand game) and I realised the match had made an impression on plenty of people. They came up and in a rather surprised tone of voice said 'it is pleasant to watch' and 'even women can play the game well'."

Whether she and many of her contemporaries can make a living out of rugby, time will tell. Filopon is paid a match fee by Toulouse, but is also studying for a marketing degree.

Bianca Silva (Brazil) Rugby's sense of community saw Silva shun football for rugby in soccer-crazy Brazil.

She started aged 11 through the social project rugby Para Todos (rugby For All) and has developed into a quicksilver sevens specialist -- who once played as the only girl in a 15-a-side under-15