The Red Roses are returning to their roots and visiting community rugby clubs this November. To give back to the fans that have supported them throughout their successful Grand Slam-winning campaign earlier this year, players will visit clubs that helped mould them into the athlete they are today.
With England’s Red Roses currently positioned as the number one ranked side in the world, and with a home World Cup being hosted in this country next year, there is huge excitement and increased interest around women and girl’s rugby union at present. Datchworth is capitalising on the momentum by playing host to Red Rose, Hannah Botterman on Wednesday 13th November from 7pm (u16 girls and below) and 8pm (Women and u18 girls).
During her appearance, Hannah will join the Datchworth coaches to support the session and take part in a Q&A in the clubhouse to finish. Women and girls of all abilities are encouraged to attend and gain from the benefits the sport brings to physical and mental health.
The women’s game in England is already flourishing from the grassroots level through to the elite; the Red Roses are currently ranked the number one team in the world, while the participation number for women and girls have risen to over 40,000. With England hosting Rugby World Cup 2025, the aim is to reach 100k registered female players by 2027.
Speaking about the initiative, Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women’s Rugby, England Rugby, said: "The Red Roses are incredibly grateful for the support they have received from grassroots rugby clubs throughout their careers. These visits are a wonderful opportunity for them to give back to the communities that have nurtured their talent and passion for the game.

"We hope that by reconnecting with grassroots clubs, the Red Roses can inspire the next generation of young players and leave a lasting legacy for women's rugby in England.”

Red Roses captain, Marlie Packer, said: “The support we received throughout the Six Nations was amazing, and we want to repay the rugby community by visiting clubs and meeting all their members.

“We are all so excited to return to our roots and give back to the clubs that laid the foundations for our careers. Rugby as a sport has given us all so much, and we can’t wait to see more girls giving it a go as we build towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.”