England centre Tatyana Heard has opened up about the Red Roses' burning ambition to claim rugby's ultimate prize and the transformative culture driving their World Cup preparations.
In an exclusive interview, the Gloucester-Hartpury star revealed how the squad is building towards global dominance under head coach John Mitchell, creating an environment where players are encouraged to bring their "whole authentic self" to the pitch.
Heard's remarkable journey back to the international stage makes her perspective particularly powerful. After making her debut in 2017, she spent four years away from the England setup before fighting her way back into contention.
"The biggest thing for me is I don't want to leave any stone unturned," Heard stated, reflecting on her return. "I want to make sure that when I do finish, whenever that is, I can look back and know I gave it my all."
Building Towards World Cup Glory
The Red Roses are currently immersed in their summer training camp, fine-tuning their game ahead of the upcoming WXV tournament in Canada this autumn. This competition serves as crucial preparation for the ultimate goal: the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England.
Heard emphasised the significance of this period: "It's building blocks to the World Cup. We're trying new things, we're making mistakes, but we're learning from them."
A Culture of Authenticity and Connection
Much of the interview focused on the team's evolving culture under Mitchell's leadership. Heard described an environment that values genuine connection and individual expression alongside rigorous physical preparation.
"We do a lot of work off the field, connection-wise, making sure that we are good people as well as good rugby players," she explained. This approach includes sessions where players share personal stories, fostering a level of trust that translates directly to on-field performance.
The team's commitment to creating a supportive environment extends to embracing different personalities and backgrounds. Heard believes this focus on authenticity is what will ultimately give England the edge when it matters most.
As the Red Roses continue their journey toward the World Cup on home soil, Heard and her teammates are determined to build not just a winning team, but a legacy that inspires future generations of women's rugby players.
