Red Roses Seek to Pave New History with Grand Slam Victory

Marlie Packer recalls a time when England's rugby matches drew minimal crowds, with only about a hundred fans and a few dogs in attendance. However, the landscape has changed dramatically, and she has now experienced the thrill of playing before a packed stadium of 81,000 spectators. The sold-out World Cup final at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium last autumn was a defining moment for Packer, leaving an indelible mark on her. "The sheer scale of it all was awe-inspiring, sending shivers down my spine," she reminisced. The tournament's journey across the country, visiting cities like Sunderland, Northampton, and Brighton, garnered an unprecedented level of support, culminating in a record-breaking attendance at the home of English rugby. Packer reflected on the team's strategic approach, saying, "We didn't just play in one location and expect fans to travel to us. Instead, we took the game to different parts of the country, and as a result, fans were drawn to our matches, and eventually, they wanted to be a part of the final." As England begins their Women's Six Nations campaign as reigning world champions, the Red Roses are determined to create history by becoming the first team to follow a World Cup title with a Six Nations Grand Slam. The team's remarkable success can be attributed to the deliberate and careful rebuilding of the squad's culture by head coach John Mitchell, who joined four years ago. At that time, England was already performing well, having reached two World Cup finals, but Mitchell identified a gap that needed to be addressed – not in terms of tactics, but in the team's culture. Packer explained, "It wasn't just about the on-pitch aspects; Mitchell focused on changing the off-pitch dynamics, aiming to elevate us and make us more than just a team. He encouraged us to be ourselves, both on and off the pitch, and to enjoy each other's company." Megan Jones, who will captain the side in the Six Nations, believes that the team actively resists complacency, always seeking to improve and push boundaries. "We don't just stick to what works; we're willing to break the mold and try new things to raise the bar and take our game to the next level," she said. This approach is unusual for a world champion team, but it's a testament to their commitment to growth and excellence. The squad has a mix of experienced players and new faces, including Christiana Balogun, Millie David, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Sarah Parry, Demelza Short, and Jodie Verghese, who are uncapped at the senior international level. Flanker Sadia Kabeya credits Mitchell with creating an ideal environment for the younger players to thrive. "He's fostered a space where we can be comfortable, yet still challenge ourselves to grow and improve. It allows us to be ourselves, without feeling the need to conform to someone else's expectations," she said. There's a sense that something shifted after the World Cup, and it's not just about the attendance figures. Packer noticed a change when she started receiving attention from boys and girls alike, all eager to learn from her and be inspired by the Red Roses. "I want to be a role model for anyone, regardless of age or gender, and encourage them to take up the sport and have fun. Rugby has given me so much more than just a game; it's given me lifelong friendships and a sense of community," she said. Kabeya shares Packer's sentiment, emphasizing that this moment is about more than just inspiring women or girls – it's about growing the sport as a whole and creating a more inclusive fanbase. Despite their professionalism, the team is still full of personality, and Jones hopes that people see the individuality and camaraderie that defines the squad. "I used to think that being professional meant being serious and straight-laced all the time. But it's the opposite; we're all different, and we've come together to achieve a common goal – to win," she said. As the Six Nations opener approaches, the team is excited to take to the pitch once again, with another record crowd expected to attend. Kabeya expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "I'm super excited to get back on the pitch, be with the girls, and play in front of another record-breaking crowd. We're building on the momentum we've gained, and hopefully, we can see even bigger and better crowds, creating an electric atmosphere." Packer, a veteran of 112 caps, has a deeper understanding of what's needed heading into the Six Nations. "We can't just rely on our World Cup win and think that we've got everything right. That would be our downfall. We need to keep evolving, pushing ourselves to be better, and putting our best foot forward," she said.