The Red Roses, fresh off their Six Nations triumph in 2026, have solidified their squad with centralised RFU contracts for 32 players for the 2026/27 season. Notably, 30 of these players are World Cup winners, underscoring the team's rich vein of form and excellence.
The newly inked contracts are part of a broader, four-year agreement designed to take the team through the next World Cup cycle. This includes a significant increase in player salaries, reflecting the RFU's commitment to fostering a high-performance environment for the Red Roses.
Leading the pack are familiar faces like Meg Jones, the current captain, and Zoe Stratford, the World Cup-winning skipper. Other key players under contract include Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Sadia Kabeya, and Marlie Packer, all of whom are crucial to the team's continued success.
Joining these seasoned players are newcomers Lilli Ives Campion, Flo Robinson, and Mia Venner, who have all secured their first full-time contracts with the Red Roses. Additionally, Hayley Jones, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, and Demelza Short have received transitional contracts aimed at easing their integration into top-tier rugby.
"Today's announcement recognises a group of competitive and committed players who continue to drive standards every day and represent what this team is all about, as evidenced by our achievements in the 2025/26 season. Competition within this squad remains incredibly fierce, and that’s one of our greatest strengths. We’re excited by what this group can achieve together over the coming year, and beyond, and are looking forward to continuing our work as we prepare for the next phase of the international calendar."
Charlie Hayter, head of Women's performance, expressed his enthusiasm about the contracted players, highlighting the fierce competition and high standards within the squad.
The Red Roses are set to return to action in September, starting their WXV campaign against Australia at the CorpAcq Stadium in Sale. The campaign will also feature a highly anticipated World Cup final rematch with Canada and the Black Ferns later in the month. The team remains at the pinnacle of the Women's World Rugby rankings, after securing their eighth consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year.
Here is the full list of contracted players for the Red Roses for the 2026/27 season: 1. Holly Aitchison 2. Lark Atkin-Davies 3. Sarah Bern 4. Hannah Botterman 5. Jess Breach 6. Abi Burton 7. May Campbell 8. Mackenzie Carson 9. Kelsey Clifford 10. Amy Cokayne 11. Maddie Feaunati 12. Rosie Galligan 13. Zoe Harrison 14. Tatyana Heard 15. Natasha Hunt 16. Lilli Ives Campion 17. Megan Jones 18. Sadia Kabeya 19. Ellie Kildunne 20. Alex Matthews 21. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald 22. Maud Muir 23. Lucy Packer 24. Marlie Packer 25. Flo Robinson 26. Helena Rowland 27. Jade Shekells 28. Emma Sing 29. Zoe Stratford 30. Morwenna Talling 31. Mia Venner 32. Abbie Ward Transition Contracts: Millie David, Hayley Jones, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Sarah Parry, Demelza Short Contracted until 31 October 2026: Lizzie Hanlon (transition contract), Connie Powell, and Ella Wyrwas
