England rugby captain Marlie Packer knows her legacy will not be defined by what happens at next year’s Rugby World Cup, but the 34-year-old is determined to cement a legacy stronger than any other by leading her side to victory on home soil next summer.
Packer, one of just four members of the last England team to win the World Cup a decade ago still in the current squad, alongside Emily Scarratt, Alex Matthews, and Natasha Hunt, is eager to inspire future generations of girls and leave an even stronger pathway than the one she followed. She is determined to capitalize on the opportunity of captaining her side to victory at a home World Cup, an opportunity that seemed remote at the start of her rugby career.
A Journey to Twickenham
Packer, who first visited Twickenham at the age of seven, vividly remembers stealing a bit of grass from the stadium and having her grandfather plant it at home. Fast forward to the present, and she finds herself playing some of her best rugby at the home of English rugby.
“One of my first international caps was probably about 20-30 people and a dog coming to watch, to now coming out here at Allianz Stadium in front of 58,000 in a Grand Slam decider against France [in 2023], it’s pretty epic,” Packer said, highlighting the remarkable growth of women's rugby. She acknowledges the importance of playing a small part in this journey and hopes to inspire future generations to get involved in the sport.
The Road to World Cup Glory
The ultimate aim for Packer and the Red Roses is not only to win the 2025 Rugby World Cup on home soil but to do so in front of a sell-out crowd at Twickenham. The team's immediate focus is on a pair of warm-up matches against France and New Zealand, which will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards their ultimate goal.
Key Warm-Up Matches
The Red Roses will face France at Kingsholm on September 9th before taking on the reigning World Cup champions, New Zealand, at Allianz Stadium on September 14th. These matches are designed to build momentum and prepare the team for the upcoming WXV competition in Canada.
The team's victory over Ireland in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations at Allianz Stadium earlier this year serves as a testament to their capabilities. Packer believes that these upcoming matches have the potential to kickstart a big year for women's rugby, with the 2025 World Cup final at Allianz Stadium serving as the pinnacle.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Packer acknowledges the significance of the home World Cup, drawing parallels to the impact of the Euro 2022 tournament on women's football. She understands that the event has the potential to not only boost women's rugby but also women's sport as a whole.
“All eyes will be on us and it is about us making sure we can maximise it in every way we can,” Packer said. The team is aware of the spotlight they are under and are committed to using this opportunity to elevate the sport to new heights.
Building a Legacy
Packer's journey from a young girl stealing grass at Twickenham to leading the Red Roses to potential World Cup glory is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport. She recognizes the significance of the upcoming World Cup final at Allianz Stadium as the ultimate achievement in her career. However, her ambition extends beyond personal accolades.
“What I hope to do in that time is to keep leading the Red Roses but also keep inspiring future generations to get involved in rugby,” Packer emphasized. She is committed to using her platform to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in rugby and contribute to the continued growth of the sport.
The Red Roses are poised to make history at the 2025 Rugby World Cup. With Packer leading the charge, they are determined to not only win the tournament but also inspire future generations of rugby players. Their journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: they are committed to making their mark on the world stage and leaving a lasting legacy for women's sport.
