Before the kickoff of this year’s Women’s Six Nations, the big question on everyone’s mind was whether any side could finally dent England’s iron grip on international rugby. Two matches into the tournament, the Red Roses have shown no signs of slowing down, proving that even a period of transition marked by injuries and multiple pregnancies has not shaken their dominance. The England squad entered the competition with a long list of absentees, most notably World Cup‑winning captain Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft).
Despite missing their skipper, the team’s opening match against Ireland was a little rusty, yet the depth of talent on the bench allowed them to pull through without major drama. That depth was on full display again in the second round when England travelled to Murrayfield. Ten players were unavailable, but the side responded by crossing the try‑line twelve times, cruising to a historic 84‑7 demolition of Scotland and extending their unbeaten run to an astonishing thirty‑five consecutive Test victories. Looking ahead to round three, England will meet Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol.
Ahead of that clash, two very different voices were heard in the media: veteran prop Sarah Bern, a 28‑year‑old with 81 caps and a World Cup title to her name, and 19‑year‑old back‑rower Demelza Short, who earned her first senior cap just a week earlier in Edinburgh. Their contrasting perspectives illustrate how the team is managing both experience and youth. Bern explained that the squad has been a "real mix" this season. "We’ve got a number of players on maternity leave – Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin‑Davies – which has opened doors for younger talent like Demelza and other up‑and‑comers.
At the same time we’ve had a spate of injuries – Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, Tatyana Heard and Ales Matthews – so the roster has been constantly evolving." She continued, "The message we give each other is simple: you have a licence to attack, to be brave, to express yourself on the field. Whether you’re a seasoned Rose or a newcomer, the standards are sky‑high.
We’re always asked if we ever get bored of winning. The truth is, none of us have yet produced a performance that we’re completely satisfied with. Every week we ask ourselves how we can develop our game, how we can grow the sport, how we can push for the best possible attack and defence.
It may sound impossible, but that relentless pursuit is in the Red Roses’ DNA." The core philosophy, as Bern summed up, is that "rugby doesn’t care what you did last week – it only cares how you show up on the day of the match." This mindset is especially important for integrating newcomers. "Part of the challenge is helping young players like Demelza settle in quickly.
We’ve had a few others in the same boat, and we’re focused on getting them up to speed as fast as possible." The sheer volume of unavailable players has forced England to dig even deeper into its talent pool, and the experiment has paid off handsomely. Bern highlighted the ambition that drives the squad: "We’re ambitious, we’re brave, and we want to push the boundaries. Yes, we won a World Cup and that was fantastic, but there are always areas to improve – especially in our attack.
Injuries have actually accelerated the development of some players, and everyone knows they have to step up. It takes a lot of hard work off the pitch as well." She added that communication and leadership are crucial: "There have been countless conversations, leaders making sure everyone knows the details of the game plan. When you step onto the training pitch, you need to understand the system – otherwise it becomes a struggle. Every player supports each other, and that camaraderie fuels our progress." Beyond performance, the Roses are conscious of the entertainment factor.
"This is an opportunity to make the sport more exciting for fans. If the same thing happens every week, people will lose interest. We want stadiums full, we want spectators to feel the thrill of an attacking, dynamic style of rugby.
All our Red Roses have the skill to carry, fend, and play an exciting brand of rugby, and we want to showcase that to the world." Bern concluded with a broader perspective on women’s rugby: "We need to keep pushing, showing our personalities, and proving that women’s rugby is a spectacular game to watch. It’s different from the men’s game, but both are equally entertaining in their own ways." Demelza Short’s story underscores how quickly a young player can rise through the ranks.
Within twelve months she progressed from representing England’s U‑18 side at the Six Nations festival at Wellington College – playing full‑time 70‑minute matches – to earning a place in the senior squad alongside recent World Cup champions. "I still can’t fully grasp what’s happened," she admitted.
"It feels like a whirlwind. It hasn’t quite sunk in, but each week it becomes a little more real." She reflected on her rapid ascent: "Last year I was still playing U‑18s. I was selected for U‑20 camps and thought maybe I could go somewhere, but I never imagined it would be this season.
Getting the call‑up to the Red Roses so quickly was a shock, and making my debut in this campaign feels almost surreal." The narrative of the Red Roses this season is one of resilience, depth, and a forward‑looking mindset. Despite the challenges of injuries and maternity leaves, the squad has turned potential setbacks into opportunities for growth, integrating fresh talent while maintaining a high‑performance culture. Their record‑breaking victory over Scotland, the continued unbeaten streak, and the enthusiastic integration of players like Short illustrate a team that thrives on change rather than fearing it.
Looking ahead to the Wales match, England will aim to continue its relentless pursuit of excellence, demonstrating that the Red Roses are not just a dominant force on paper but a living, evolving entity that embraces each new challenge with confidence and flair. The message remains clear: rugby rewards those who show up ready to give their best, regardless of past accolades, and the Red Roses embody that ethos every time they step onto the field.