The Women’s Rugby World Cup has kicked off — and all eyes are on Holly Aitchison, the England playmaker tipped as one of the stars of the tournament.
But Aitchison’s mission extends beyond tries and tackles. The Red Roses star, who recently fronted The Style Sunday Times magazine and has even modelled bikinis for Victoria’s Secret, is determined to break down stereotypes surrounding female rugby players.
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Far too often, women in rugby are defined by tired clichés. Aitchison is flipping that script.
“People are always surprised when I say I play rugby,” she told The Sunday Times.
“First, they’ve not even heard of a woman who does. Then they try not to offend you with what they say next. Sometimes it’s, ‘I didn’t expect you to look like that.’ Sometimes that’s what they’re really thinking but instead they say, ‘That’s nice, how did you get into it?’”
Breaking Stereotypes & Off-Field Impact
Aitchison has also become a powerful voice for change away from the pitch. She has spoken openly about struggling with anxiety and acne as a teenager, admitting that rugby gave her the confidence she had been missing.
That journey has inspired her off-field work. She is an ambassador for Clinique’s #GameFace campaign, which not only supports girls’ self-confidence but also funds grassroots rugby programmes. She’s also joined the British Inspiration Trust, promoting mental health and wellbeing among young adults.
Never afraid to challenge the status quo, Aitchison has highlighted the ongoing inequalities between men’s and women’s rugby — from kit allowances to travel conditions. Her goal is simple: to leave the game in a stronger, fairer position for the next generation.
Aitchison isn’t just chasing silverware in this World Cup. She’s on a one-woman mission to shift how the sport — and its athletes — are seen.
Red Roses pride: Nine World Cup stars who are out and proud
England’s Red Roses aren’t just rugby powerhouses — they’re also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ represenation in sport.
As they charge into this year’s Rugby World Cup on home turf, 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.
