The central narrative heading into this year’s Women’s Six Nations was whether any side could finally challenge England’s long‑standing dominance in the sport. After two rounds of matches, the Red Roses have shown no signs of faltering. Even with a wave of injuries and several players stepping away for pregnancy—a level of transition not seen in a decade—the depth of England’s squad appears virtually inexhaustible. Captain Zoe Stratford (formerly Aldcroft), who lifted the World Cup, is among a long list of absentees, yet the team’s performance in the opening match against Ireland revealed a side that, while a little rusty, still possessed enough quality to secure a win.
The second fixture, a trip to Murrayfield against Scotland, saw England missing another ten players. Nevertheless, the side responded with a spectacular display, crossing the try line twelve times and posting a record‑breaking 84‑7 victory, which also marked a 35th consecutive Test triumph for the nation. Looking ahead to the third round, England travel to Ashton Gate in Bristol to meet Wales.
Ahead of that clash, two very different members of the squad shared their thoughts with the media: veteran prop Sarah Bern, 28, who boasts 81 caps and a World Cup winners medal, and 19‑year‑old back‑rower Demelza Short, who earned her first cap in Edinburgh just a week earlier. Bern explained that the squad has experienced a "real mix" of changes. "We have a number of wonderful pregnancies in the team, which has opened doors for younger players like Demelza and other emerging talent. On top of that we’ve dealt with a few injuries, so the landscape has been shifting very quickly," she said.
She added that the coaching staff have given the players a clear mandate: "Here’s your licence to attack, to be bold, to express yourselves and to prove what you can do. That’s the way we approach every game." The article also referenced several other storylines: a piece on Kildunne’s struggle with body dysmorphia, the appointment of Jones as England captain for the tournament, and a reminder to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for updates. Bern continued, "Whether you’re a youngster just breaking through or a seasoned Rose, the standards are sky‑high.
We’re constantly asked if we ever get bored of winning. The truth is, none of us would say we’ve delivered a performance we’re completely satisfied with yet.
Every week we ask ourselves how we can improve our game, how we can develop the sport, and how we can raise the bar for both attack and defence. It may sound impossible, but striving for excellence is in the Red Roses’ DNA." She emphasized the team’s philosophy: "Rugby doesn’t care what you did last week. It doesn’t care if you lifted a World Cup. What matters is how you turn up on the day of the match." The conversation turned to the challenge of integrating newcomers like Demelza.
"We have a responsibility to help those young players settle in, to get them up to speed as quickly as possible," Bern noted, acknowledging that the sheer volume of unavailable players has forced England to deepen its talent pool even further. So far, that strategy has paid dividends.
Bern summed up the squad’s mindset: "We’re ambitious, we’re brave, and we want to push those barriers. Yes, we won a World Cup and that was fantastic, but we know there are still areas in our attack that can be refined. Injuries have accelerated the progression of some players, and everyone understands that we must all contribute, both on and off the field, to keep the machine running smoothly." She highlighted the importance of preparation and communication: "There have been many conversations, leaders making sure everyone knows the details because when you step onto the training pitch you need to be aware of the plan – otherwise it becomes very difficult. Every player supports each other, and that camaraderie fuels our growth." Bern also spoke about the broader goal of making the sport more entertaining for fans.
"When people see the same routine every week, it gets stale. We want to bring excitement to the stadium, to show the world the incredible skills our Red Roses possess – from powerful carries to dynamic defensive work.
Women’s rugby is a spectacular game to watch, distinct from the men’s but equally captivating. Each version has its own appeal, and we aim to highlight that." The article then shifted focus to Demelza Short’s meteoric rise. 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 Red Roses lineup alongside recent World Cup champions. Short reflected on her rapid ascent: "I still can’t fully grasp what’s happened.
It feels surreal. It’s been a whirlwind.
It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but each week it starts to feel a little more normal, though still extraordinary." She recalled her pathway: "Last year I was playing U‑18s, and then I got involved in U‑20 camps, thinking maybe there was a future there, but I never imagined it would happen this season. Getting the call‑up to the Red Roses so quickly and actually making my debut in this campaign is just crazy." In summary, England’s women’s team continues to demonstrate why they have been the benchmark in world rugby. Despite a high turnover of players due to pregnancies and injuries, the depth of talent, the willingness of senior players to mentor newcomers, and a relentless drive for improvement ensure that the Red Roses remain a formidable force. Their mantra – that rugby cares only about the performance on the day – encapsulates a culture of humility, hard work, and constant evolution, promising fans thrilling rugby and a bright future for the women’s game.