The Red Roses are not just winning; they are revolutionising women's rugby with an intoxicating blend of raw power and audacious flair. Their dominant start to the 2025 World Cup is built on a new, fearless philosophy that is as effective as it is entertaining.
Gone are the days of predictable, forward-dominated rugby. Under the guidance of coach John Mitchell, this England squad is playing with what he describes as ‘freedom and joy’. This shift was spectacularly evident in their record-breaking 90-0 victory against Spain, a match that felt more like a celebration of the sport's possibilities.
The Architects of Excitement
The back-three of Abby Dow, Ellie Kildunne, and Jess Breach have become the embodiment of this new approach. Their blistering pace and telepathic understanding are tearing defences apart. Kildunne, in particular, is having a tournament for the ages, her serpentine runs leaving a trail of would-be tacklers in her wake.
But it’s not just about individual brilliance. The tries they are scoring are products of a collective confidence—no-look passes, daring counter-attacks from deep, and support lines that seem to defy physics. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that is paying off in spectacular fashion.
More Than Just Running Rugby
To label this team simply as ‘flashy’ would be a disservice. The foundation for this exhilarating attack is a set-piece that operates with brutal efficiency. The forward pack provides a platform of such dominance that it gives the creative players behind the licence to express themselves. It’s the perfect marriage of steel and silk.
This transformation is resonating far beyond the scoreboard. It’s challenging old perceptions of women’s rugby and attracting a new generation of fans. They are showcasing a version of the game that is dynamic, skilful, and utterly compelling, proving that elite sport and pure entertainment are not mutually exclusive.
The message from the England camp is clear: they are here to win, but they are here to inspire too. The World Cup is their stage, and they are performing a masterpiece.
