The new season is officially up and running for the Red Roses, with head coach John Mitchell launching the 2024/25 campaign today at the Allianz Stadium. England’s pre-season preparations are well underway, with two September Tests lined up against France and New Zealand, before the team jets off to Canada for three matches in WXV1.
All the while England have the ultimate goal in their sights, as we are little over one year removed from the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Hosted in England, the Red Roses aim to reach top gear in time for tournament glory, with Mitchell overseeing the playing group ahead of the incoming pre-season fixture with France. Les Bleus head over to Kingsholm for the fixture on September 7th, with the likes of Zoe Aldcroft and Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt eager to return to the Cherry and White cathedral.
Mitchell spoke with the media, and covered a whole manor of topics as his side prepares for the incoming September schedule.
5 TALKING POINTS: RED ROSES PRE-SEASON PRESS CONFERENCE
1. Six Nations Rivals and Reigning World Champions – France and Black Ferns Expectations
Mitchell promptly turned his attention towards his incoming opponents, with battles lined-up against France and New Zealand coming in over the horizon. England have recorded victories against both sides within the past 12 months, beginning with the Red Roses handing the Black Ferns a historic home defeat in 2023 WXV.
England then ousted Les Bleus in the 2024 Women’s Six Nations finale, and Mitchell expressed what he expects from both sides, as France and New Zealand eye up a return to top form ahead of the WXV trip to Canada.
JOHN MITCHELL: “I thought they were really good, France in Bordeaux, they created us a lot of problems. We played well, but we also put pressure on ourselves through some of our decision-making and execution. So, I guess what you’re hearing is that sometimes, I think possibly in our past, we’ve just washed over our outcomes and got on to the next season, but we’ve actually already been quite thorough in the area of letting the girls know about how we could better perform against France.
“Mainly, we’ve dealt with our drivers of the game in that area. So, yeah, they’ll be a huge challenge and then obviously New Zealand always get better. Since the PAC 4 (Pacific Nations Four) series, they’ve actually put Australia away by 60 points. But we’ll deal with France first. They’ll always be unpredictable, but they’ve got a lot of strength, a lot of power.
“And then New Zealand, they really haven’t had any pressure put on them since PAC 4. So, 60-point wins are pretty good for you, but you’ve also got to be able to learn how to handle pressure as well. But they’ll be a different challenge because they’re a very athletic team. So, there’s ways to play New Zealand differently than other teams.”