Ahead of the Women's Six Nations, the big question was whether any side could finally challenge England's iron grip on international rugby. After two rounds, the Red Roses have shown they remain unshaken, despite a wave of injuries and a number of players stepping away for pregnancy – a level of transition not seen in a decade. Their depth appears virtually limitless, allowing them to keep delivering dominant performances.
Captaining the side is World Cup winner Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft), who, along with a long list of other absentees, missed the opening match against Ireland. Even with a few rustier players on the field, England still possessed enough quality to see the game through. In the second round at Murrayfield, the squad was again missing ten regulars, yet they powered past Scotland with a staggering 84‑7 scoreline, registering twelve tries and extending their unbeaten run to thirty‑five Tests.
The third fixture pits England against Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol. Before that clash, two very different voices from the squad shared their thoughts with the media: veteran prop Sarah Bern, 28, who has already earned 81 caps and lifted a World Cup trophy, and 19‑year‑old back‑rower Demelza Short, who earned her first cap in Edinburgh just the weekend before. Bern explained the ever‑changing landscape of the team. "We've had a real mix around," she said.
"There are a number of pregnancies in the squad, which has opened doors for younger players like Demelza. At the same time we’ve dealt with a few injuries, so the roster is constantly evolving." She continued, "The message we give the players is simple: you have a licence to attack, to be brave, to express yourself and show what you can do.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned Rose, the standards are sky‑high." The list of players unavailable for the latest matches is extensive. 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. Despite these absences, the team has continued to thrive. When asked if constant success ever becomes boring, Bern replied, "I don’t think any of us would say we’re satisfied with a single performance.
Every week we ask ourselves how we can improve our game, grow the sport and raise the bar for both attack and defence. It may sound impossible, but that relentless drive is part of the Red Roses' DNA." She summed up the team ethos with a memorable line: "Rugby doesn't care what you did last week, whether you won a World Cup or not. It only cares how you show up on the day of the match." Developing younger talent is also a priority.
Bern noted that players like Demelza need support to adapt quickly to the senior environment. The sheer volume of change has forced England to cultivate even deeper reserves, a strategy that has paid off handsomely so far. Bern added, "We’re ambitious and brave. Yes, we won a World Cup, and that was fantastic, but we still see room to improve our attacking play.
Injuries have actually accelerated the progression of some players, and everyone understands that we all have to step up and work hard off the pitch as well as on it." She highlighted the importance of communication and preparation: "Leaders make sure every player knows the details because on the training field you need to be aware of them, otherwise it becomes very tough. Every player helps each other, and that camaraderie creates opportunities." The team also wants to keep the fan experience fresh.
"If spectators see the same thing every week, it gets dull. We aim to be entertaining, to draw crowds to the stadium and to showcase the exciting, dynamic style of women's rugby," Bern said. She stressed that the Red Roses possess the skill to carry, fend, and play a fast‑paced game, and they want the world to see it. She concluded, "We’ll keep pushing, showing our personalities and proving that women's rugby is a spectacular sport to watch.
It may differ from the men's game, but both are equally entertaining and have their own unique selling points." Demelza Short’s journey illustrates how quickly a player can rise through the ranks. Within twelve months she moved from representing England’s U‑18 side at the Six Nations festival at Wellington College to earning a place in the senior squad alongside recent World Cup winners. "It still feels surreal," she admitted.
"I’m still processing that I’m playing at this level. Last year I was in the U‑18s, then I got called into U‑20 camps, and suddenly I was in the Red Roses squad. It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s becoming more real each week." In summary, England’s women’s team continues to dominate the Six Nations despite a high turnover of personnel. Their ability to integrate new talent, maintain relentless standards and keep the game exciting for fans demonstrates why the Red Roses remain the benchmark in world rugby, embodying the belief that rugby judges you solely on the day you step onto the pitch.