English rugby has unveiled a bold five-year strategy to build on the recent success of the Red Roses following their Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph. The new plan, titled Every Rose: Our Time, aims to establish England as the dominant force in women’s rugby while expanding the sport’s reach and economic strength nationwide.
At the heart of the initiative is the ambitious goal of securing back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles — a feat no England team has achieved before. Alongside this, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) seeks to increase the number of women and girls playing rugby to 100,000 by 2030, a significant rise from the current 60,000 participants. The plan also targets doubling revenue from the women’s game to £60 million and building a fanbase of three million passionate supporters.
According to the RFU’s leadership, the strategy reflects the momentum gained in recent years, particularly after the Red Roses’ record-breaking performances. The vision focuses not just on elite success but also on growing the game at the grassroots level. By investing in clubs, coaching, and facilities, the RFU hopes to create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures talent and inspires future generations of players.
Women’s rugby in England has undergone a remarkable transformation. A decade ago, there were fewer than 15,000 registered female players, and in many clubs, women struggled for recognition and support. Today, the sport has achieved mainstream visibility, with sold-out stadiums and unprecedented media coverage. The recent World Cup final at Allianz Stadium drew 82,000 spectators, demonstrating the surging popularity and commercial potential of the women’s game.
However, the RFU acknowledges that challenges remain, especially in the face of financial pressures and limited resources. The plan calls for innovation, collaboration, and commitment from both public and private partners to ensure that growth is sustained.
The governing body believes that the future of rugby depends heavily on the women’s game both as a cultural movement and as a driver of new audiences. With increased participation, stronger investment, and a growing fanbase, English rugby aims to set a global standard for how women’s sport can thrive competitively and commercially.
The RFU’s message is clear: women’s rugby is no longer a side project it is the future of the game.