Ahead of the Women’s Six Nations, the big question was whether any side could finally dent England’s iron grip on international rugby. Two matches into the tournament, the Red Roses have proved that the answer is a resounding no.
Even as injuries and a wave of pregnancies have forced a generational shift not seen in a decade, England’s depth appears virtually inexhaustible. World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft) missed the opening game, and a long list of seasoned internationals were unavailable.
Yet the team still looked sharp in their first test against Ireland, overcoming a touch of rust to secure a solid win. The second fixture, a trip to Murrayfield, saw England field a side missing ten regulars. Despite the depleted roster, the Roses ran in twelve tries, smashing Scotland 84-7 and extending their unbeaten run to thirty‑five consecutive Tests. Now the third round pits England against Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol.
In the lead‑up, two very different voices spoke to the media: veteran prop Sarah Bern, 28, with 81 caps and a World Cup medal, and 19‑year‑old back‑rower Demelza Short, who earned her first cap in Edinburgh the previous weekend. Bern described the squad as a "real mix".
"We have a number of pregnancies in the group, which has opened doors for younger players like Demelza and other emerging talent. On top of that we’ve had a few injuries, so the landscape changes quickly," she said. "But the message we give the players is simple: you have a licence to attack, to be brave, to express yourself and to show what you can do.
That’s how we approach every game." She went on to stress that high standards apply to everyone, whether a newcomer or a seasoned Rose. "We get asked if we ever get bored of winning.
The truth is, none of us have produced a performance we’re completely satisfied with yet. Each week we ask ourselves how we can develop our game, grow the sport, and push for the best attack and the best defence. It may sound impossible, but striving for excellence is in the Red Roses’ DNA." The core of the team’s philosophy, according to Bern, is that "rugby doesn’t care what you did last week or whether you won a World Cup. It only cares about how you show up on the day." This mindset also guides the integration of young talent.
"Part of the challenge is helping players like Demelza settle in quickly and get up to speed with the intensity of international rugby," she added. The list of unavailable players reads like a who’s‑who of English women’s rugby: pregnancies have taken Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin‑Davies out of contention, while injuries have sidelined Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, Tatyana Heard and Ales Matthews. Yet the depth of the squad has turned this potential crisis into an opportunity for growth.
Bern emphasised the ambition and bravery that drive the side. "We recognise we won a World Cup, but there are always areas to improve, especially in our attack. The current injuries have accelerated the progression of younger players, and we all understand we must function as a cohesive unit. That requires hard work off the pitch as well as on it." She highlighted the importance of communication and preparation: "Leaders make sure everyone knows the details of the game plan, because once you step onto the training pitch you need to execute.
Every player supports each other, and that collective effort creates excitement for the fans. If we repeat the same patterns every week, it becomes dull. We want to be entertaining and give spectators a reason to fill the stadium." The Red Roses aim to showcase a brand of rugby that is both powerful and aesthetically pleasing.
"Our players can carry, fend, and play an exciting style of rugby. We want the world to see that," Bern said.
"Women’s rugby is a fantastic spectacle in its own right, distinct from the men’s game, yet equally entertaining." Demelza Short’s rapid rise illustrates the pathway now available to young athletes. Within twelve months she progressed from England’s U18 Six Nations festival at Wellington College, where she played full 70‑minute matches, to earning a full senior cap alongside recent World Cup winners. "I still can’t fully grasp what’s happened," she admitted.
"It feels like a whirlwind. It hasn’t fully sunk in, but each week it becomes a little more normal, even if it still feels extraordinary." Short reflected on her development: "Last year I was playing U18s, then I attended U20 camps and thought maybe I could go further, but I never imagined it would happen this season.
Getting the call‑up to the Red Roses so quickly and making my debut in this campaign has been unbelievable." Overall, England’s women’s team demonstrates that a deep talent pool, a culture of relentless improvement, and a willingness to embrace change can keep a dominant side at the top, even when key players are absent. As the Six Nations continues, the Red Roses will look to blend experience with youth, maintain their high‑octane attacking style, and prove that, indeed, rugby only cares about the effort you bring on the day of the match.