England's celebrated back‑row forward Marlie Packer sat down with Sky Sports for an in‑depth conversation after the Red Roses saw their remarkable 39‑Test unbeaten run come to an abrupt halt. The interview took place in the lead‑up to a pivotal home test against the Black Ferns of New Zealand, a match that promises to be a showcase of skill, determination and national pride.
The Red Roses' streak, which had stretched back to 2022, was finally broken in a dramatic encounter against Canada in Exeter. The two sides were locked at 26‑26 when the final whistle blew, delivering a thrilling draw that reminded everyone that even the most dominant teams can be tested.
The match, part of the WXV Global Series, featured eight tries and was decided in the dying seconds, underscoring the intensity of international women’s rugby. It also served as a poignant reminder of the Red Roses' World Cup final victory over New Zealand just under a year earlier, a 33‑13 triumph that still resonates with fans and players alike. During the interview, Packer, who was named World Player of the Year in 2023, emphasized that the draw against Canada is not a defeat but a valuable learning experience. "For us, obviously, it's not what we wanted, but it wasn't a loss.
It's a learning curve," she explained. She added that the result has motivated the squad to double down on preparation for the upcoming test at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. "It’s made us put even more work into this week and focus on New Zealand come Saturday," Packer said, highlighting the team's resolve to bounce back stronger. Packer described the Canadian match as an "arm wrestle" that tested the Red Roses' mental and physical limits.
She noted that while the game felt like a repeat of the World Cup final, the stakes were different because it was part of a three‑Test series, with two more matches scheduled in Canada later in the year. "We’re now going to play them out in Canada twice," she said, underscoring the importance of learning from the draw and improving for future fixtures.
When asked how the team plans to respond to New Zealand, Packer was unequivocal: "Most definitely [no better way to respond than beating New Zealand]. Playing at the home of English rugby, every player wants to play there." She expressed excitement about the newly laid pitch at Twickenham and the electric atmosphere that the home crowd will provide.
"The girls are buzzing just to get back out there," she added, promising a "very strong Red Roses team" that will aim to put on a spectacular show for both fans and themselves. Beyond the tactical and psychological aspects, Packer also shared personal news that will inevitably affect her playing career.
Her partner and fellow Red Rose, Rosie Galligan, is expecting their second child at the end of the coming month. Packer confirmed that she will step away from the sport for a period once the baby arrives, choosing to stay in England rather than travel to Canada for the away leg of the series.
"I won’t be going away to Canada for the away leg, I’ll be staying here and supporting from the sideline," she said, indicating that she will continue to cheer on her teammates and stay in touch with head coach John Mitchell via phone. The interview also touched on a significant coaching development: former Wales, British and Irish Lions, and France defence coach Shaun Edwards has joined the England Women’s coaching team as a consultant for the remainder of the WXV Global Series. Packer praised Edwards' arrival as a testament to the progress of women’s rugby and the Red Roses in particular. "He’s been excellent," she remarked, noting his impressive résumé and multiple Six Nations titles.
"Having a coach of his calibre want to work with us shows where the game is going and how far the women’s game has come." Packer highlighted that Edwards' focus on defence has already begun to influence the squad, saying, "It’s defence day today, so we’ve heard his voice! We’ve learned a couple of new tricks that he’s coached us." This endorsement underscores the growing professionalism and strategic depth within the women's game, as elite coaches bring their expertise to the women's arena. In summary, Marlie Packer’s interview paints a picture of a resilient Red Roses side that is using a setback as a catalyst for growth.
The team is channeling the disappointment of the Canadian draw into heightened preparation for the New Zealand test, while also celebrating personal milestones and embracing the evolving coaching landscape. Fans can expect a fiercely contested match at Twickenham, with the Red Roses eager to demonstrate that they remain one of the world’s premier rugby nations, ready to bounce back and continue their legacy of excellence.