A striking visual installation honouring every Red Rose in England Rugby history has been unveiled at the London Eye as the squad heads into a crucial weekend
(Left to right) Former England Rugby players, Janis Ross, Maxine Edwards, Gill Burns, Karen Almond and Emma Mitchell Photo: Belinda Jiao/PA Media Assignments
A spectacular Red Roses display has today been unveiled at the iconic London Eye, celebrating the past and present of England women’s rugby and sending a powerful message of support to the team.
The Trail of Roses is made up of 267 roses, one for every player to have worn the Red Roses’ shirt since the team’s first official match in 1987. Each handmade rose features a player’s name and legacy number, honouring their commitment to the squad, and the sport, as it reaches a seminal moment this summer. After the installation comes down, each rose will be gifted to the player it represents, a lasting keepsake of their place in history.
The tribute is a continuation of England Rugby’s ‘For the Girls’ campaign, celebrating the strength, sisterhood and solidarity that defines the past, present and future generations of the Red Roses.
The installation is both a landmark of the game’s growth and a reminder of the pioneers who paved the way, alongside the players who continue to shape the Red Roses legacy today. The movement they began continues to inspire everyone who finds strength in their journey. Meanwhile, the team’s recent success has inspired a new generation at grassroots level, with young girls across the country picking up a rugby ball and following in the footsteps of their heroes.
With the team powering through the tournament on home soil as favourites, excitement is building across the country as the team heads into the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter finals this weekend against Scotland.
Red Rose number one, and captain of the 1994 World Cup winning squad, Karen Almond, said: “Standing here today and seeing every player honoured is an incredibly special moment. When we lifted the Rugby World Cup in 1994, we couldn’t have imagined a tribute like this at the heart of London. It’s a reminder of how far the women’s game has come, and how much further it can go. But this isn’t just about the players of the past or the squad of today, it’s about inspiring the next generation.”
Over 30 years since Karen led the Red Roses to Rugby World Cup victory, the women’s game has reached extraordinary new heights.
Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of the Women’s Game at RFU said: “This is a huge year for women’s rugby in England, and we’re excited to be unveiling this amazing display that honours every Red Rose in England Women’s history.
It’s so important that we celebrate the trailblazers who paved the way, while also recognising the incredible players representing England today. The Trail of Roses is not only a tribute to the past, but also a celebration of the tournament being hosted here in England, and a celebration of the Red Roses who continue to inspire every time they pull on the shirt.”
Robin Goodchild, Senior General Manager at the London Eye said: “We are honoured to be hosting this incredible Red Roses display celebrating England Women’s rugby players. The London Eye is a global icon and as we celebrate 25 years of being at the heart of London’s skyline, it feels like the perfect place to not only cheer on the Red Roses but also showcase all past and present players.”
Young girls wanting to get involved with the sport are encouraged to visit FindRugby.com, where they can access a network of opportunities, potentially the first step in becoming the next generation of superstars for England Rugby.
Together with lead principle sponsor O2, England Rugby is calling on fans everywhere to get behind the Red Roses, not just for this World Cup, but for every girl who dreams of pulling on the shirt in years to come.
The Trail of Roses is at the London Eye, Southbank, from Thursday 11th September until Sunday 28th September.
With thanks to the RFU
