The Red Roses

Shortlisted for the Charles Tyrwhitt Rugby Book of the Year 2025

Go behind the scenes with the winners of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.

In January 2019, England's Red Roses became the first fully professional women's rugby team in the world – their abiding mission being to win back the Rugby World Cup. After their narrow defeat against New Zealand in 2017, the formidable squad developed a hugely successful game plan that earned them the longest winning streak in rugby union history.

Acclaimed sports journalist Jessica Hayden, who has had unprecedented access to the Red Roses during the writing of this book, goes behind the scenes to follow their challenges, heartbreaks and triumphs. Featuring interviews with all the major players, including Marlie Packer, Jess Breach, Emily Scarratt and many more, this is a truly inspirational story.



Jessica Hayden is one of the most trusted voices in women's rugby. She was previously a women's rugby journalist at The Times and the lead reporter of The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards. She has written for titles including the Guardian, Metro and RugbyPass as well as for World Rugby, the Paralympics and the British & Irish Lions. In addition to her journalism, Jessica is a regular contributor to BBC Radio's rugby coverage. Since 2020, she has sat on the Six Nations panel that decides the championship shortlist for both the men's and women's tournaments.



'This is required reading before the Women's World Cup comes to England'



'Hayden is fiercely committed to women's rugby and her writing exudes compassion and authority'



'This is huge for the women's game which, like many women's sports, lacks records. This will be an important resource for those reading and learning about the game in the future'



'Jess is an incredible champion of women's sport. Her knowledge and passion is evident in her work across multiple formats, be it through the written word, in front of camera or across social media'



'The story of these remarkable rugby warriors is brilliantly told'