England Women

The England women’s rugby team is widely regarded as the most successful side in the northern hemisphere. Currently ranked as world number one, the Red Roses possess an enviable record that spans two world titles, 20 Six Nations wins and 18 Grand Slams.

From their Six Nations successes to their Rugby World Cup finishes, this is the place to stay updated on all things Red Roses. Browse below for the latest fixtures and scores, standings and updates from the England women’s rugby team.

England Women’s at the Rugby World Cup

England are the second-most successful team in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The two-time world champions earned their first trophy in 1994 and they lifted their second in 2014. 

Both of England’s victories were against North American teams. In their first, they repaid the United States for their 1991 defeat, ultimately beating the USA 38-23 in the final. 

Twenty years later, England secured their second trophy. After a pool-stage draw against Canada, the two teams met for a second time in the final. England emerged victorious, claiming their second world title with a 21-9 win. 

In addition to their wins, the England women’s rugby team were the runners-up on six occasions. They finished second in 1991, when they were defeated 19-6 by the United States. Their next five losses came at the hands of New Zealand, who they faced at the finals in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2017 and 2021.

Interestingly, England have competed in every Rugby World Cup final except one: 1998. They were beaten by New Zealand in the semi-finals and played Canada in the bronze play-off. They won the match 31-15, but this sealed their worst result to date: third place.

Next, England will host the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

History of the England Red Roses

Women’s rugby originated in England and the earliest recorded matches were held here during the 1880s. These early attempts were less than successful, with several games abandoned due to riots.

Over the following decades, the sport slowly took hold. By the 1960s, women’s rugby had become established in UK universities. Twenty years later, in 1983, the Women’s Rugby Football Union (WRFU) was formed. 

Finally, in 1987, the England women’s rugby team played their first international. They travelled to Pontypool, Wales, where they beat their Welsh rivals 22-4. 

Since then, the Red Roses have gone from strength to strength. They are the most successful side in the Women’s Six Nations, with 20 championship titles and 18 Grand Slams. This includes six consecutive wins between 2019 and 2024. 

England’s prowess has been reflected in the World Rugby Rankings. The Red Roses reached the top spot in 2012, 2014 and 2017. Since 2020, England have retained their position as the best rugby team in the world.

Red Roses Rugby Squad

The England women’s rugby team has boasted some of the sport’s most pivotal players, five of whom have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame: Carol Isherwood, Gill Burns, Maggie Alphonsi, Sue Dorrington and Mary Forsyth. Other notable names include Sarah Hunter (most caps) and Sue Day (most tries).

The current Red Roses squad features talents like Emily Scarratt, England’s all-time top point scorer. The team is captained by Marlie Packer. She has steered the likes of Amy Cokayne, Natasha Hunt and Alex Matthews to many impressive victories.