In an emotional outpouring of pride and gratitude, England captain Marlie Packer has broken her silence following the Red Roses' devastating 34-31 defeat to New Zealand in the Women's Rugby World Cup final.
The thrilling encounter at Eden Park saw England's dream of World Cup glory shattered in front of a world-record crowd for women's rugby, leaving players and fans alike heartbroken after an epic battle.
Captain's Tribute to Teammates and Nation
Taking to social media, the inspirational flanker penned a moving message that captured the raw emotion of the moment while celebrating her team's incredible journey. "This one hurts," Packer confessed, before immediately shifting focus to what truly mattered.
Her words resonated with thousands of supporters as she expressed profound appreciation for her teammates' monumental effort. "So unbelievably proud of this team and everything we have achieved, not just over the last couple of months but over the last four years," she wrote, acknowledging the long road to the final.
Record-Breaking Final Captivates Global Audience
The historic match in Auckland will be remembered as one of the greatest women's rugby contests ever staged, with both teams delivering exceptional performances that captivated the 42,579-strong crowd - the largest ever attendance for a women's rugby match.
England's campaign, though ending in disappointment, has been widely praised for elevating women's rugby to unprecedented heights and inspiring a new generation of players across the country.
Gratitude Beyond the Scoreline
Packer's message extended beyond her immediate squad, reaching out to the army of supporters who followed England's journey. She made special mention of the travelling fans who created an electric atmosphere thousands of miles from home, as well as the coaching and support staff whose dedication made their campaign possible.
"The support we have received from everyone back home and those that travelled has been incredible," she acknowledged, highlighting the growing momentum behind women's sport in the United Kingdom.
Despite the overwhelming disappointment of coming so close to rugby's ultimate prize, Packer's leadership shone through in her reflective words, promising that this defeat would only fuel England's determination for future campaigns.
