England’s national rugby team is preparing for a highly anticipated match against New Zealand at Twickenham on September 14, marking the start of the upcoming WXV1 tournament in October. Additionally, the Red Roses will confront France at Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium on September 7th.
Having secured their sixth consecutive Six Nations title with a remarkable victory against France in Bordeaux, the Red Roses are eager to showcase their prowess against the world’s top teams. Their determination was evident in their previous triumph over New Zealand in Auckland in November 2023, where they emerged victorious in the inaugural WXV1 tournament, avenging their loss to the Black Ferns in the 2017 World Cup final.
England captain Marlie Packer expressed her enthusiasm for the forthcoming matches, stating, “We are looking forward to hosting and competing against the best teams in the world ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.” Acknowledging the unwavering support of the fans, Packer highlighted the significant role they play in boosting the team’s morale and performance on the field.
The upcoming matches at iconic venues such as Kingsholm and Twickenham hold special significance for the Red Roses, with Packer noting, “Fans always bring the noise for games at Kingsholm and with many of our squad having connections to Gloucester, it should be another brilliant occasion.” She further added, “Our last two games at Twickenham have resulted in the best two crowds ever recorded in women’s rugby. We want more.”
Twickenham, the historic home of English Rugby, has been witness to some remarkable achievements by the Red Roses, including setting a new world record attendance for a women’s rugby match with 58,498 fans gathering to witness their Grand Slam victory over France in April 2023. The fervent support of the fans was also evident in this year’s championship, with 48,778 spectators rallying behind the team as they secured a resounding 88-10 win against Ireland.
As the Red Roses continue their preparations for the upcoming clashes, the entire nation awaits in eager anticipation, poised to witness a display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of women’s rugby at its finest.