Red Roses latest: 30 World Cup winners among 32-player contracted list for 2026/27
The Red Roses lifting the Six Nations trophy in 2026
32 Red Roses players have been handed centralised RFU contracts for the 2026/27 season, with 30 World Cup winners among the group.
The new contracts follow a new four-year contract framework for the Red Roses to cover the next World Cup cycle, which includes a substantial uplift in salaries.
30 World Cup winners among 32 Red Roses contracted players for 2026/27
There is a familiar feel to the 32-player list, with the likes of current captain Meg Jones, World Cup-winning skipper Zoe Stratford, Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Sadia Kabeya and Marlie Packer included.
Lilli Ives Campion, Flo Robinson and Mia Venner have also received their first Red Roses deals.
Alongside the initial group, six players have also been handed transitional contracts, with Hayley Jones, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta and Demelza Short all getting their first. Mille David has also been given a transition deal.
Elsewhere, Connie Powell and Ella Wyrwas have signed short-term extensions through to October 31, while Lizzie Hanlon has signed a short-term transition contract to the same date.
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Commenting on the contracts, Charlie Hayter, head of Women’s performance, said: “Today’s announcement recognises a group of competitive and committed players who continue to drive standards every day and represent what this team is all about, as evidenced by our achievements in the 2025/26 season.
“Competition within this squad remains incredibly fierce, and that’s one of our greatest strengths. We’re excited by what this group can achieve together over the coming year, and beyond, and are looking forward to continuing our work as we prepare for the next phase of the international calendar.”
The Red Roses return to the field in September, as they kick off their WXV campaign against Australia at Sale Sharks’ CorpAcq Stadium, before a mouthwatering World Cup final rematch against Canada and the Black Ferns later in the month.
John Mitchell’s side once again sit top of the World Rugby rankings in the Women’s game, after claiming their eighth successive Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year.
Red Roses contracted squad for 2026/27 in full
Holly Aitchison, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Jess Breach, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Rosie Galligan, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, Lilli Ives Campion, Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, Ellie Kildunne, Alex Matthews, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Maud Muir, Lucy Packer, Marlie Packer, Flo Robinson, Helena Rowland, Jade Shekells, Emma Sing, Zoe Stratford, Morwenna Talling, Mia Venner, Abbie Ward
Transition Contracts: Millie David, Hayley Jones, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Sarah Parry, Demelza Short
Contracted until 31 October 2026: Lizzie Hanlon (transition contract), Connie Powell and Ella Wyrwas (short-term extensions)