Red Roses Ready to Make History in Women's Six Nations

Marlie Packer recalls a time when England's rugby matches drew a handful of fans and a few dogs. Now, as the team's longest-serving member, she has experienced playing in front of a crowd of 81,000 at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium. The electric atmosphere left a lasting impression on Packer, who described it as 'the most sensational thing I've ever seen in rugby.' The Red Roses' journey to the World Cup final was a defining moment, with the team traveling across the country, gaining supporters at every stop, and ultimately selling out the stadium. Packer believes this approach helped build a loyal fan base, as fans who attended earlier matches were inspired to buy tickets for the final. England now enters the Women's Six Nations as reigning world champions, with their sights set on making history by becoming the first team to follow a World Cup title with a Six Nations Grand Slam. The team's success can be attributed to a deliberate cultural rebuild under head coach John Mitchell, who focused on creating a strong off-pitch dynamic. 'It wasn't just the on-pitch stuff,' Packer explained. 'It was the off-pitch stuff that he needed to change, and he came in and transformed our culture straight away.' Mitchell encouraged the team to be themselves, both on and off the pitch, and to enjoy each other's company. This approach has fostered a sense of camaraderie and allowed the players to grow as individuals. New captain Megan Jones believes the team is not afraid to challenge themselves and push boundaries. 'We want to break things to see if we can withstand it, and kind of mold it into our own,' she said. This mindset has created an environment where players feel comfortable being themselves and pushing beyond their comfort zones. The team's growth has also inspired a new generation of fans, with Packer noticing a shift in attendance and interest after the World Cup. Boys and girls alike are now showing up to club appearances, asking for autographs, and seeking advice on how to play like the Red Roses. Packer and her teammates, including flanker Sadia Kabeya, are keenly aware of the impact they can have beyond the sport itself. 'It's not just about inspiring women, inspiring young girls,' Kabeya said. 'It's about inspiring young boys and men, and allowing them to come into our world.' As the Red Roses prepare to face another record crowd in the Six Nations opener, they remain focused on their goal of making history. 'We can't just rely on the fact that we're world champions and we got everything right in the World Cup,' Packer said. 'We need to make sure we keep evolving and putting our best foot forward.'