Roses looking ahead while training at Bath
England’s Red Roses are in the midst of a gruelling four-week pre-season training camp in Bath. The Six Nations’ champions are looking to take their impressive form from last season into the next, with the World Cup little over a year away.
Red Roses’ captain, Sarah Hunter, was quick to highlight just how enjoyable, but tough, the camp has been.
“When I saw the camp was in Bath, I was really excited. I used to live here and train at the Sports’ Training Village, so I knew the high quality of the facilities and how much Bath locals love rugby. I don’t remember having a pre-season like this; you don’t normally get this much of an opportunity to put in the physical fitness foundations.
“Many people have been in dark places, but that feeling of seeing everyone put in that hard work is really rewarding.”
Not far from the players’ minds is the World Cup in 2022. Originally meant to take place in the autumn of this year, the competition was postponed because of the pandemic. Yet the players remain determined to go one better than 2017 and return as World Champions.
Marlie Packer, England flanker, said: “It would mean everything if we went over there and got the win in New Zealand. That is what we all train for.
“We have short term goals, but that is the long-term aim. It would be a huge lift for me, for the women’s game and for women in general.”
Whilst the pandemic disrupted the women’s game, many positives came out of it, none more so than the opportunity the women had to play the Six Nations in April, away from the men for the first time.
“It was a blessing in disguise. People don’t like change and rugby is very traditional, but it gave us the opportunity to have a standalone tournament and hopefully, when things return to normal, it will stay that way. We are not in the shadow of the men; there was a lot of visibility, a lot of press, a lot of publicity about our tournament. It stands us in good stead to grow the game going forward,” argued Hunter.
The development of the Premier 15’s in 2016 has been a huge factor in growing the women’s game and the Red Roses’ success. The RFU added sponsorship to the competition and enforced minimum operating standards, ensuring the quality and competitiveness of the league is one of the best in the world.
Hunter said: “I had played Premiership Rugby for a long time, but the standard and quality when the Premier 15’s came in changed it almost overnight. In four seasons it has far exceeded the initial plan in terms of growth.
“Some matches are probably at a higher intensity than some of the games we play at international level and it is really positive to hear men’s premiership teams wanting to get involved and invest in the women’s game. It can only go from strength to strength.”
One of those men’s teams is Bath Rugby, who confirmed earlier this year that they are investing in a side to join the Premier 15’s in the 20232024 season. West Country born Packer, who used to play for Bath Ladies from 2007-09, is one of the many looking forward to their inclusion.
“It is massively exciting for the city. Bath is renowned for its rugby. It has had a great team for years and years, that is why I came to Bath and played for them, but they have never actually competed at the top level. Participating in the top tier will pull back players who love playing here.”
Bristol Bears player, Amber Reed, has seen first-hand the impact of having both a men’s and women’s rugby team can have on the local community.
She said: “I have seen Bristol go from being a local rugby club to a high-performance centre, training alongside the men at a world class facility. The Premier 15s has been a huge part of driving standards on and off the field.
“A massive thing is inspiring the community through rugby success - that doesn’t matter if it’s the men’s or women’s team because as a collective you can do that.
“The same could happen here. To inspire local girls and boys really drives the game. And it will be awesome to have another West Country derby.”
Hunter is also thrilled for the city and for locals to get behind the women’s game and for the Rec to host a match: “You can see how much Bath Rugby want to follow their plan of growing the game at the grassroots through now developing the women’s game and creating greater links with the local community.
“For me that is so important; international and professional rugby would not exist without the community game. Having lived here on match day it is incredible. Imagine having the buzz around a women’s game at the Rec! It is such a great city to come and play in.”
The Red Roses may leave Bath next week but their legacy looks set to continue long after they are gone, growing the game of rugby for women and inspiring the next generation.