Red Roses Seek to Make History with Grand Slam Victory

England's Marlie Packer recalls a time when only a handful of fans watched her team play rugby, accompanied by a few dogs. Fast forward to today, and the longest-serving Red Roses member has experienced the thrill of playing in front of a packed 81,000-strong crowd at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium during the World Cup final. Packer describes the moment as 'sensational,' with the electric atmosphere sending shivers down her spine. The tournament's success in attracting record-breaking crowds across the country, from Sunderland to Brighton, has been a game-changer for the sport. As England prepares to defend their World Cup title in the Women's Six Nations, the team is determined to make history by becoming the first to achieve a Grand Slam after winning the World Cup. According to Packer, the team's deliberate cultural rebuild under head coach John Mitchell has been instrumental in their success. Mitchell's focus on creating a positive team culture, rather than just tactics, has paid off, with players feeling empowered to be themselves and enjoy each other's company. The team's captain, Megan Jones, believes that the group's willingness to challenge themselves and push boundaries has been key to their success. 'We don't just want to maintain the status quo; we want to break it and see how we can improve,' she explains. This mindset has created an environment where players feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. The Red Roses' success has also had a profound impact on the sport as a whole, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. Packer and her teammate Sadia Kabeya are passionate about using their platform to promote the sport and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved. As Kabeya puts it, 'It's not just about inspiring women; it's about inspiring everyone to come into our world and be a part of it.' With a record crowd expected for their Six Nations opener, the Red Roses are ready to take on the challenge and make their mark on the sport once again.