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.

The Red Roses will host the Rugby World Cup in 2025. The stakes have never been higher for one of the most dedicated teams in the history of rugby.

About the Author

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.

Reviews

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

-- Sara Orchard * 5 Live & BBC Sport Rugby Reporter *

'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'

-- Sue Day, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer, RFU

'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'

-- Sarah Mockford, Women's Sport Editor * The Telegraph *

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

-- Paul Ross * talkSPORT, Sporting Book of the Week *



Book Information
ISBN 9781913759162
Author Jessica Hayden
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Arena Sport
Publisher Birlinn General
Weight(grams) 385g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 22mm