Launching today (7am) ahead of the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, the Red Roses will have channels on X and Instagram (@RedRosesRugby) where Red Roses supporters can expect to see behind-the-scenes content from in camp, key news updates, team news, player imagery and more.

The new social media channels will see amplified coverage of the Red Roses game and help in the RFU’s ambition to have 100,000 women and girls playing rugby by 2027, as well as sell out Twickenham Stadium for the 2025 Rugby World Cup final.

Central to this will be building the profile of our star players, promoting their accounts, telling their stories in their way.

The 2023 Women’s Six Nations saw record views and engagement for Red Roses content on England Rugby channels and the aim is to grow on that with new dedicated channels.

Red Roses captain Marlie Packer said: “This is a hugely progressive step for the Red Roses and women’s rugby. We want to engage with our rugby community and aid the growth of the game, especially ahead of a home Rugby World Cup in 2025. As players, we hope being able to see more Red Roses content will encourage more women and girls to follow our sport, pick up a rugby and try it for themselves.”

Former World Rugby player of the year and Red Roses centre Emily Scarratt said: “Our past Red Roses are trailblazers for women’s sport, inspiring the current squad to leave the shirt in a better place. We want to be role models for the next generation of England Rugby players and supporters, and these dedicated channels will allow us to tell the stories of many, connect with our supporters and showcase our authentic self on and off the field.”

With thanks to the RFU

This will cover all RFU-run social media channels including England Rugby, Allianz Premier 15s, Greene King IPA Championship and GB7s.

Clubs competing in the Allianz Premier 15s and the Greene King IPA Championship will also join the blackout.

The Red Roses take on France in Lille on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm BST), live on BBC iPlayer with coverage on englandrugby.com

Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter said: “No professional sportsperson should have to suffer abuse, racism or harassment on social media.

“We’ve all seen how social media can help bring fans and players closer together but this does not mean abuse should be ignored.

“While we have an important Test match in France on Friday, we understand there are bigger and more important issues and hopefully this is an important statement that online hate will not be tolerated.”

Courtesy of the RFU

UEFA has announced it will join a coalition of English footballing stakeholders, including the Football Association and the Premier League, by taking part in their social media boycott. UEFA will stay silent across its platforms this weekend, starting at 15:00 BST (16:00 CEST) on Friday. The aim of the online boycott is to show solidarity in the fight against online abuse and it will run until 23:59 BST on Monday 3 May.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin gave his unequivocal backing to the initiative, saying that action needs to be taken to stop the spread of hate and abuse online directed at footballers and those involved with the game.

“There have been abuses both on the pitch and on social media. This is unacceptable and needs to be stopped, with the help of the public and legislative authorities and the social media giants. Allowing a culture of hatred to grow with impunity is dangerous, very dangerous, not only for football, but for society as a whole.

“This is why we are supporting this initiative. It is time for football to take a stand and I have been impressed with the solidarity shown by the players, clubs and stakeholders.

“I urge everyone – players, clubs and national associations – to lodge formal complaints whenever players, coaches, referees or officials are victims of unacceptable tweets or messages. We’ve had enough of these cowards who hide behind their anonymity to spew out their noxious ideologies.”

Courtesy of UEFA