The Red Roses
Behind the Scenes with the English Women's Rugby Team
In January 2019, England’s Red Roses became the first fully professional women’s rugby team in the world – their abiding mission being to win back the Rugby World Cup. After their narrow defeat against New Zealand in 2017, the formidable squad developed a hugely successful game plan that earned them the longest winning streak in rugby union history.
Acclaimed sports journalist Jessica Hayden, who has had unprecedented access to the Red Roses during the writing of this book, goes behind the scenes to follow their challenges, heartbreaks and triumphs. Featuring interviews with all the major players, including Marlie Packer, Jess Breach, former captain Emily Scarratt and many more, this is a truly inspirational story.
The Red Roses will host the Rugby World Cup in 2025. The stakes have never been higher for one of the most dedicated teams in the history of rugby.
Jessica Hayden is one of the most trusted voices in women’s rugby. She was previously a women’s rugby journalist at The Times and the lead reporter of The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards. She has written for titles including the Guardian, Metro and RugbyPass as well as for World Rugby, the Paralympics and the British & Irish Lions. In addition to her journalism, Jessica is a regular contributor to BBC Radio’s rugby coverage. Since 2020, she has sat on the Six Nations panel that decides the championship shortlist for both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
