“If you’d asked me at the start of pre-season whether I’d be going to this World Cup, I’d have said no. I didn’t think I’d be selected,” says former England captain Marlie Packer.
Her self-doubt might surprise many. A 2014 World Cup winner, the 35-year-old is set to compete in her fourth consecutive global tournament after being named in England’s 32-player squad. But the past year has been challenging for Packer. After being named World Player of the Year in 2023 and leading England to 20 consecutive wins across two seasons, she was stripped of the captaincy in January, with Zoe Aldcroft taking over. Though named a vice-captain for the 2025 Six Nations, she only made two matchday squads.
Resilience has defined Packer’s 111-cap career. She remains committed to team success, supporting whatever decisions best position England to win the World Cup, which begins on August 22. Yet she admits some of this year’s setbacks—beyond her control—have been “tough.”
When asked which hurt more—losing the captaincy or being left out of matchday squads—Packer pauses, laughs softly, and glances away before answering: “That’s a question, isn’t it?”
She explains: “When Mitch [coach John Mitchell] and I discussed the captaincy, he made it clear he wants his flanker to cover six and eight—roles I don’t play. The game has evolved, and that’s his vision. I knew if I wasn’t starting, I likely wouldn’t make the 23. He was upfront about that. I understand my position.
“Anything can happen—injuries, changes—so I have to stay ready. All I can do is work on those areas in training, proving I can adapt if called upon.
“Honestly, being left out of the 23 was hard. But I still traveled with the squad, still contributed. That meant a lot.”
Missing the dramatic 43-42 win over France at Twickenham—which sealed England’s Grand Slam in April—was particularly painful.
“Not playing against France is always tough,” Packer says. “Playing at Twickenham is everything. Two years ago, captaining England in front of a world-record crowd with my son as mascot—that’s a moment I’ll always cherish.
“But this year, Mitch had me in the coaching box during the France game. Learning his thought process, seeing his plans—that trust matters. He makes tough calls, but I know he cares, just as I care about him and this team.”
Mitchell praised Packer at the World Cup squad announcement, emphasizing her importance to England. With only Emily Scarratt (set for her fifth tournament) boasting more experience, Packer remains a vital part of the Red Roses’ campaign.Doubt still lingered in her mind about her own selection.
“Oh yeah,” Packer admits when asked if she had any concerns. “100%, of course. Any athlete would say the same, no matter the sport. If you get too comfortable, someone will take your spot. You can get overwhelmed, but you have to keep pushing to be the best. There’s no room for complacency—we have to keep raising the bar because that’s what separates winning and losing a World Cup.”
“I put myself in the best position possible to make this squad. I came into pre-season feeling fit, strong, and ready. I’m really happy with Mitch’s communication—he’s been clear about where I stand, his plans for the warm-ups, and the pool games. For me, it’s about keeping my head down, working hard, and lifting those around me.”
The warm-ups didn’t go perfectly, though. Packer was sent off against Spain on August 2nd, risking a suspension that could have ruled her out of the tournament. Fortunately, the disciplinary panel only gave her a one-game ban, meaning she missed the match against France but was free to play in the World Cup.
This is Packer’s fourth World Cup, but her first on home soil—something she calls the “icing on the cake,” with the cherry on top being a trophy win. The tournament has already broken records, selling over 350,000 tickets, the most for any Women’s Rugby World Cup. The final at Twickenham is expected to sell out, setting a new attendance record for women’s rugby.
England has a chance to make history by winning at home, but they’ve fallen short in the last two finals, both against New Zealand. The pressure will grow as they progress, but Packer insists the team isn’t dwelling on the past.
“That was three years ago—and eight years before that. There’s no point looking back. This is a new group of players, a new coaching staff (except for Deacs). We have to focus on the present. The media can say what they want—some players might pay attention, others won’t. What matters is what we believe in here.”
“We know we’ll be under scrutiny—we’re the Red Roses. We’ve been professional longer than most nations, we’re ranked No. 1 in the world, with the highest-ever rugby ranking, men’s or women’s. People will analyze us, but we just have to stay in the moment and enjoy it.”
For Packer, past World Cups are closed chapters. Now, with her place secured and doubts behind her, her focus is on the story England hopes to write this time.
FAQS
### **FAQs About Marlie Packer and England Rugby’s Top-Ranked Status**
#### **Basic Questions**
**1. Who is Marlie Packer?**
Marlie Packer is an English rugby union player and captain of the England women’s national team, known for her leadership and skill as a flanker.
**2. What did Marlie Packer mean by “As the world’s top-ranked team, we know all eyes will be on us”?**
She meant that since England’s women’s rugby team is ranked #1 globally, they face high expectations and pressure to perform well in every match.
**3. How did England become the top-ranked women’s rugby team?**
Through consistent strong performances, winning major tournaments like the Six Nations and World Cup, and maintaining a high win rate.
**4. What position does Marlie Packer play?**
She plays as an openside flanker, a key defensive and breakdown specialist in rugby.
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#### **Advanced Questions**
**5. What challenges does being the top-ranked team bring?**
Higher scrutiny, opponents studying their tactics more closely, and the pressure to maintain dominance in every game.
**6. How does Marlie Packer’s leadership impact the England team?**
Her experience, work ethic, and ability to motivate teammates help maintain high standards and resilience under pressure.
**7. What are England’s biggest rivals in women’s rugby?**
New Zealand and France are their strongest competitors.
**8. What’s next for England’s women’s rugby team?**
They aim to defend their top ranking, win upcoming tournaments like the Six Nations, and prepare for the next World Cup.
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#### **Practical & Fan Questions**
**9. How can I watch Marlie Packer and England play?**
Matches are broadcast on sports networks like BBC, Sky Sports, and streaming platforms, depending on the tournament.
**10. What makes Marlie Packer stand out as a player?**
Her physicality, tackling ability, and leadership on the field set her apart.
**11. Has England always been the top-ranked team?**
No, rankings shift over time, but England has been a dominant force in recent years.
