'We are building something genuinely special': Red Roses agree new contract framework with RFU

The RFU and England’s Red Roses have agreed a new four-year contract framework that covers the current Women’s Rugby World Cup cycle.

English rugby’s governing body and the world champion side worked collaboratively with Team England Rugby to agree the new framework, which exists between 2026 and 2030.

In their press release, the RFU said: “This agreement represents a significant further investment in England’s women’s rugby programme, reinforcing the RFU’s long-term commitment to building a world-leading performance environment while accelerating the global growth of the women’s game.”

Discussions between the parties have taken place over the past year and will see the Red Roses receive enhanced player support, increased earning potential and continued investment in player pathways.

The framework is also aligned to the RFU’s women’s and girls strategy; Every Rose: Our Time.

The new agreement means that there are a guaranteed minimum of 32 full-time contracts, with transitional contracts set to continue. Player salaries, match fees and commercial opportunities will continue also. There will also be a Women’s Rugby World Cup selection bonus.

A formal mid-cycle review has been introduced, which is hoped will ensure player support and pay is regularly examined in case “if commercial performance of the women’s game materially exceeds expectations”.

Meg Jones, Red Roses Captain said: “As Red Roses our goal is always to be the number one team in the world on the field and off it. The investment into our programme and our pathways is critical to that and so this is an important moment for the group and for the game in England.

“The progress we’ve seen in recent seasons has been incredible, and this takes things another step forward. It gives players greater security, more opportunity and recognition for what it means to represent England.

“Just as importantly, it’s about the future – continuing to invest in a strong pipeline of players, and making sure the next generation has an even stronger platform to come through and succeed.”

Since the introduction of full-time contracts in 2019, the Red Roses have been the standard bearers of women’s rugby globally. In the time since then England have won eight Guinness Women’s Six Nations titles – seven of which were Grand Slams – and have been World Rugby’s top-ranked side since 2020.

Their only blip came in 2022 at the delayed Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand as they lost to the Black Ferns in the Eden Park finale. Last year, at their home Women’s Rugby World Cup, England beat Canada 33-13 at Allianz Stadium in front of a world record crowd of 81,885, and became world champions for the first time in 11 years.

It has also been confirmed by the RFU that the governing body have made a £24m commitment to Premiership Women’s Rugby. That investment is the largest union investment into a domestic women’s competition worldwide.

Alex Teasdale, RFU Executive Director of Women & Girls’ Rugby, said: “We are building something genuinely special in the women and girls’ game and this agreement is a clear signal of our intent to keep pushing boundaries.

“Our focus is not only on supporting the current Red Roses squad, but on strengthening the entire system around them, from grassroots participation through to the elite environment.

“By continuing to invest with purpose and discipline, we are creating a model that is both world-leading and sustainable, ensuring the game continues to grow for generations to come.”