Elevating England’s Red Roses Off the Pitch
The dominance of the England Women’s Rugby Union team, the Red Roses, in the Six Nations is a testament to their on-field prowess. But the Rugby Football Union (RFU) is now committed to supporting the team’s development off the field as well.
The RFU has expanded the coaching staff and improved player contracts, setting the squad up for continued success. Notably, the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has embedded a player development manager, Lynsey Hyslop, within the Red Roses setup.
Hyslop’s role is to help the players pursue goals and flourish as individuals off the pitch. She explains that the new coaching staff, led by John Mitchell, have a holistic approach, aiming to ensure the players are thriving both on and off the field.
“The impression I’ve got is that John Mitchell and the new coaching staff have a holistic way of looking at the player,” Hyslop says. “They want the player to be the best they can be, and Mitch seems to believe in happy person, happy player.”
Hyslop’s extended time with the squad allows her to build stronger relationships with the players, facilitating more informal discussions about their lives and goals beyond rugby. This approach aims to address the sensitive and personal nature of the player development work.
The RPA is also looking to enhance its support for the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) squads, which are largely part-time. The organization is exploring ways to help players maintain their careers and skills outside of rugby, ensuring a smoother transition after retirement.
“They are elite athletes with incredible talents. It is trying to tap into that,” Hyslop says. “They are becoming more well-known and the brand is growing, but there is still a lot to be done. There are more opportunities in the media and coaching, but not everyone wants to stay within sport.”
The ultimate goal is to ensure that players are prepared for life after their playing careers, regardless of whether they choose to remain within the rugby ecosystem or pursue other passions. The RPA’s holistic approach aims to empower the Red Roses to thrive both on and off the pitch.
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