The out LGBTQ+ England Red Roses playing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Saturday, 27 September 2025 at 12:01

byRugby Rucker

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England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ representation in sport.

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Now, as they take on Canada in the Rugby World Cup final, nine stars are proudly out and representing both their country and community.

Here’s the incredible lineup flying the flag for Pride while chasing World Cup glory:

Marlie “Captain Fantastic” Packer — England

Captain. Flanker. Champion. And a Red Rose through and through. Marlie Packer heads into her third World Cup with England, fresh off a one-match ban that had fans worried she might miss out.

No chance. A 2014 World Cup winner already, she’s determined to lead the Roses to another title — and she’ll be doing it alongside her fiancée, teammate Rosie Galligan.

Rosie “Resilient Rose” Galligan — England

Rosie Galligan’s journey is pure resilience. From making her professional debut with Saracens in 2016 to lifting back-to-back WXV 1 titles, Galligan is no stranger to success. This is her second World Cup, but there’s an extra twist this time: she’s engaged to teammate Marlie Packer. Power couple energy incoming.

Mackenzie “Maple Leaf Turned Rose” Carson — England

Born in Canada. Built for rugby. And now a Red Rose. Mackenzie Carson has already played three World Cups for Canada — but in 2025, she’s switched allegiances to England. Better still, she’ll be suiting up alongside her partner Sarah Bern, making them one of rugby’s fiercest power duos.

Sarah “Scrum Queen” Bern — England

England powerhouse Sarah Bern is used to breaking through defences — now she’s breaking barriers too.

With Carson, her partner both on and off the field, Bern is set for another World Cup campaign. Expect big hits, big carries, and big love stories in red and white.

Megan “Sevens Speedster” Jones — England

England’s youngest-ever sevens debutant at just 17, Megan Jones has built a career on speed, skill, and fearless play. After recovering from injury in 2024, she’s back and ready for the World Cup stage. Off the pitch, she’s happily with Great Britain teammate Celia Quansah — another rugby star in her own right.

Holly “Golden Boot” Aitchison — England

A natural playmaker with a golden boot, Holly Aitchison has done it all: Six Nations, World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics. Now she’s back in Red Roses colours for the 2025 World Cup, and she’ll be lining up with her partner — and fellow England star — Hannah Botterman.

Hannah “Front-Row Force” Botterman — England

The front-row force who eats scrums for breakfast. Hannah Botterman already has Grand Slam medals and World Cup experience to her name, but this year brings an extra special twist: she’s heading into the tournament alongside her partner, teammate Holly Aitchison. Roses united, on and off the pitch.

Amy “Cross-Continental” Cokayne — England

From New Zealand to England and back again — Amy Cokayne’s rugby story spans continents. After stints with Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, and now Sale Sharks, she’s earned her spot in another World Cup campaign. With experience at both the 2017 and delayed 2021 editions, Cokayne is set to be a vital presence for England in 2025.

Claudia “Chief in Command” Moloney-MacDonald — England

Dynamic, versatile, unstoppable. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald can shine at scrum-half or wing, and she’s been doing just that for Exeter Chiefs Women. A Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2019 and a World Cup veteran from 2021, she’s back again to bring pace and passion to the Roses.