The RFU has confirmed a new four-year contract framework developed collaboratively with the Red Roses and their exclusive commercial representatives, Team England Rugby (TER), covering the 2026–2030 Rugby World Cup cycle.
This agreement represents a significant further investment in England’s women’s rugby programme, reinforcing the RFU’s long-term commitment to building a world-leading performance environment while accelerating the global growth of the women’s game.
Aligned to the ambitions set out in the RFU’s women and girls strategy Every Rose: Our Time, the framework reflects a close and constructive dialogue between the RFU, players and TER over the past year.
It ensures the Red Roses remain at the forefront of the sport on and off the field, through enhanced player support, increased earning potential and continued pathway investment.
Together, the RFU, players and TER have agreed a package that includes:
- A guaranteed minimum of 32 full-time contracts and the continuation of transitional contracts for emerging players.
- A substantial uplift in player salaries, match fees and commercial opportunities.
- The introduction of a Rugby World Cup selection bonus, recognising the achievement of representing England on the sport’s biggest stage
- A formal mid-cycle review mechanism ensuring player pay and wider support arrangements are reviewed if the commercial performance of the women’s game materially exceeds expectations.
This new framework builds on the progress made since the introduction of full-time contracts in 2019 in England, which has transformed the professional landscape of the women’s game and reinforced England’s positions as world leaders in this space.
While the women and girls’ game continues to experience rapid growth across participation, audiences and commercial revenues, it remains in a critical investment phase.
Over the last four years, the RFU has invested significantly ahead of revenues, reflecting a deliberate and long-term strategy to unlock sustainable growth.
This approach has already delivered tangible impact, with England leading globally in participation, fan engagement, attendance and elite performance alongside the Red Roses’ position as the world’s number one ranked team.
The new agreement sits within a broader ecosystem of RFU investment, including the £24m commitment to Premiership Women’s Rugby over ten years – the largest union investment in a domestic women’s competition worldwide.
Together, these commitments provide a truly world-class environment for current and future players, ensuring the Red Roses are not only positioned to sustain success, but to continue shaping the future of the sport globally.
Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO said: “This agreement represents another major step forward for the women’s game in England. We are making a deliberate, long-term investment in building the strongest and most sustainable environment for our players to succeed.”
“The Red Roses set the standard globally, not just through their performances, but through the role they play in inspiring the next generation. This framework reflects both our ambition to remain number one in the world and our responsibility to grow the game for the future.”
Meg Jones, Red Roses Captain said: “As Red Roses our goal is always to be the number one team in the world on the field and off it. The investment into our programme and our pathways is critical to that and so this is an important moment for the group and for the game in England.”
“The progress we’ve seen in recent seasons has been incredible, and this takes things another step forward. It gives players greater security, more opportunity and recognition for what it means to represent England.”
“Just as importantly, it’s about the future – continuing to invest in a strong pipeline of players, and making sure the next generation has an even stronger platform to come through and succeed.”
Alex Teasdale, RFU Executive Director of Women & Girls’ Rugby said: “We are building something genuinely special in the women and girls’ game and this agreement is a clear signal of our intent to keep pushing boundaries.”
“Our focus is not only on supporting the current Red Roses squad, but on strengthening the entire system around them, from grassroots participation through to the elite environment.”
“By continuing to invest with purpose and discipline, we are creating a model that is both world-leading and sustainable, ensuring the game continues to grow for generations to come.”
With thanks to the RFU
