No space for complacency says Red Roses skipper

SPOTLIGHT: The World Cup 2025 host England will face Australia, USA and Samoa at next year’s prestigious event.

John Mitchell’s side will play the USA in the opening game of the tournament at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on August 22 2025.

The Red Roses have won the tournament on two occasions in 1994 and 2014, and have finished top of their group in each tournament they have played in.

Australia’s best finish at the tournament came in 2010, when they finished third, while USA were the first team to win the tournament in 1991 and were beaten by the Red Roses in 1994’s final. Samoa are making their fourth appearance at the tournament, their first since 2014.

The world number one recently secured a second successive WXV 1 title after beating Canada 21-12 in Vancouver.

“It all feels so much more real now. Getting Samoa, USA and Australia is super exciting,” said Red Roses captain Marlie Packer.

“For me personally it’s a massive honour to lead the team out, a privilege to do so, but, knowing that every team wants to beat you, you can’t be complacent.

“You’ve always got to push yourself within the squad, in training sessions, we’re always striving to be the best.”