In a significant stride towards fortifying the foundations of women's rugby in England, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has rolled out a new four-year contract framework for the Red Roses, covering the current World Cup cycle. This development, a collaborative effort with Team England Rugby (TER), aims to elevate the infrastructure of the women's game to a global benchmark, following a home World Cup victory and consecutive triumphs in international competitions.
The Red Roses, who clinched their fifth consecutive Grand Slam at this year’s Six Nations and secured their ninth title in the past decade, are also celebrating two WXV titles from 2023 and 2024. Under the new agreement, at least 32 players will benefit from full-time central contracts, with additional transitional contracts provided for emerging talents. A notable feature of this framework is the substantial uplift in salaries and a World Cup selection bonus, complemented by a mid-cycle review mechanism to adjust the financial support in response to the commercial growth of the women’s game.
“This agreement represents another major step forward for the women’s game in England. We are making a deliberate, long-term investment in building the strongest and most sustainable environment for our players to succeed,”
said Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU.Red Roses captain, Meg Jones, expressed the team's ambition and the significance of the new framework. “As Red Roses our goal is always to be the number one team in the world on the field and off it. The investment into our programme and our pathways is critical to that and so this is an important moment for the group and for the game in England,” she remarked. Jones also highlighted the enhanced security, opportunities, and recognition the new contracts provide, emphasizing the investment in the future and the development of a robust pipeline for upcoming players.
Alex Teasdale, RFU executive director of women & girls’ rugby, also commented on the transformative nature of the agreement. “We are building something genuinely special in the women and girls’ game and this agreement is a clear signal of our intent to keep pushing boundaries. Our focus is not only on supporting the current Red Roses squad, but on strengthening the entire system around them, from grassroots participation through to the elite environment,” Teasdale noted.
By fostering a nurturing and competitive environment, the RFU is setting a precedent for the development of women's rugby, ensuring its growth and sustainability for generations to come. This comprehensive framework not only enhances the present but also secures a flourishing future for the sport in England.