The England Red Roses are on the cusp of yet another historic milestone, with their thrilling, high-scoring performances under new head coach John Mitchell sparking excitement across the rugby world. As the WXV1 final showdown approaches, the Red Roses are aiming to maintain their dominance, which has made them the top-ranked team globally and solidified them as strong favorites for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The stakes have never been higher, and neither has the pressure to deliver not just victories, but a new brand of rugby that captivates fans worldwide.
From Dominance to Dazzling
Under former head coach Simon Middleton, England’s formidable strength came from a physically dominant forward-oriented game plan, often relying on the power of their maul to secure tries. While effective, this style wasn’t always seen as entertaining. When John Mitchell took the reins in late 2023, he set out to shift the narrative, aiming to craft a faster, more expansive, and thrilling brand of rugby that could inspire a new generation of fans.
That transition wasn’t without its challenges. During the Six Nations earlier this year, England experienced some growing pains as they adjusted to their new style. But everything clicked last Sunday when England blew away world champions New Zealand 49-31 in the WXV1 tournament, with their back three—Jess Breach, Abby Dow, and Ellie Kildunne—combining for seven stunning tries. The Red Roses’ ability to play with flair and precision demonstrated why they are the top team in the world and cemented their position as favorites heading into next year’s World Cup.
This electrifying victory extended their winning streak to 19 matches and moved them within one game of defending their WXV1 title. The Red Roses’ attacking brilliance and disciplined structure on the field have made them a force to be reckoned with, not only in terms of winning but in revolutionizing women’s rugby.
Captivating Audiences, Winning Hearts
For England, the goal now is not just to win, but to win in a way that captures the imagination of rugby fans everywhere. “There was a time when we relied on the rolling maul, and often that’s not the most entertaining thing to watch,” England fly-half Holly Aitchison reflected. “But now, we’ve adopted this exciting, fast-paced brand of rugby, which is thrilling for us to play and for the fans to watch.”
This shift towards a more dynamic, viewer-friendly style of rugby is more than just a tactical decision—it’s part of a larger mission to grow the game. The team recognizes the need to entertain while dominating on the field. “Rugby needs to get to this level to attract a wider market. It’s fun, entertaining, and what the sport needs to fill seats,” Aitchison added.
England’s performances have already begun drawing in bigger crowds, with sellout games and increasing global viewership. As they prepare for the final WXV1 match against hosts Canada on Saturday in Vancouver, the Red Roses will be looking to build on that momentum.
Canada: A Rising Threat
While much of the pre-game attention has focused on England’s dominance, Canada has emerged as a formidable challenger. The WXV1 hosts are riding a six-game winning streak and have established themselves as one of the top teams in the world. Despite being largely amateur, Canada has consistently punched above their weight, defeating world champions New Zealand earlier this year to claim the Pacific Four Series title.
England’s captain Marlie Packer, who played in the 2014 World Cup final against Canada, knows all too well the threat they pose. “Canada has always been knocking on the door,” Packer said. “They were in the final 10 years ago, and they’ve always been a threat.”
Canada’s roster includes several players who ply their trade in England, such as McKinley Hunt and Gabrielle Senft, who play for Packer’s Saracens. However, unlike their English counterparts, most of Canada’s players juggle national team commitments with day jobs, making their success all the more remarkable. “They’re driven, athletic, and incredibly dedicated. They may not have the same resources as us, but they’ve got the heart and determination to compete at the highest level,” Packer added.
A World Cup Final Dress Rehearsal?
With England and Canada ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, Saturday’s showdown has all the makings of a World Cup final preview. Both teams have been in scintillating form, and the winner-takes-all clash is set to be a spectacle of women’s rugby at its finest. For England, the focus will be on continuing to refine their new style of play while maintaining the winning mentality that has taken them to the top. Canada, meanwhile, will be looking for a near-perfect performance to halt England’s remarkable run.
Building the Future of Rugby
While the immediate focus is on winning, England’s longer-term vision is on leaving a lasting legacy for women’s rugby. The shift to a faster, more expansive game is not just about results—it’s about growing the sport’s audience and ensuring that women’s rugby continues to thrive. As Aitchison pointed out, “This isn’t just about us playing good rugby, it’s about creating a product that people want to watch, week in and week out.”
With the 2025 World Cup looming, this generation of Red Roses has the opportunity to transform the game and create something special for future players. The stakes are high, but the potential rewards—both for the team and for the sport—are even greater.
