England Red Roses

England’s women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, will face the USA in New Jersey with head coach John Mitchell rotating six players. Despite her strong performances, World Rugby Player of the Year 2024 Ellie Kildunne remains on the bench, while several backs and forwards make their first starts on the tour.

England’s women’s rugby team, the Red Roses, have seen such a surge in popularity that players like scrum-half Natasha Hunt admit they can no longer meet every fan’s request for selfies and autographs after matches. Hunt explains that large crowds, recovery schedules, injuries and family commitments limit their ability to engage post‑game, echoing similar concerns in women’s football.