England’s model professionals! Rugby Red Roses are determined to seal a SIXTH consecutive Six Nations title against France tomorrow – and they’re thriving off the field too

They are one of the most successful teams in English sport and have become synonymous with winning.

But as they look to clinch a sixth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title and a third consecutive Grand Slam in Bordeaux on Saturday, these are the Red Roses as you’ve never seen them before.

Only France stand between John Mitchell’s side and another win in the Championship, but the reality is that England should have too much for Les Bleus.

The Red Roses are flourishing on the field. In addition, they are determined to use their growing platform to increase interest and develop the women’s game before England hosts the Women’s World Cup in 2025.

Ahead of this Six Nations, England players took part in a lifestyle photo shoot with the aim of bringing women’s rugby to a new audience. They certainly do.

‘I am very creative off the field and I hope that also shows on the field. I try to find happiness in everything I do,” says superstar fullback Ellie Kilnauw, summing up the growing strength of women’s rugby.

‘I think it marries very well. We have become a team that is indefensible.’

At the age of 24, Kilnauw has stated that her ambition is to become the best rugby player – male or female – in the world.

She is on her way and has an impressive nine tries in just four Six Nations matches this year.

As evidenced by her modeling photos in Mail Sport, Kilnauw is not just a one-trick pony. Outside of rugby, she enjoys photography and has launched her own fashion collection with sports brand Canterbury.

‘It’s going well and I’m enjoying it. I don’t want the Six Nations to be over,” Kilduin said. “We have become a multi-threat team. We are strong in different ways.

‘I don’t put too much pressure on myself. I enjoy it and have a smile on my face. I am satisfied with who I am and the people around me. I just want to keep going and ride the wave.”

Women’s rugby remains the sport’s biggest growth area.

England’s dominance of the Six Nations is not good for the competitiveness of the Championship, but it is not derailing women’s interest in the game and that can only be a good thing.

“Being a role model is very important,” says winger Jess Breach, who is part of an electric England back three with Abby Dow and Kilnauw. “I didn’t have anyone in rugby that I looked up to that much, but these days I think it’s really important for young boys and girls to see us. I feel honored and many of us will be role models for many people. It’s amazing that we’re in that space right now.

“When people say we are a world-class back three or one of the best back threes in the world, it is scary, but also an honor. We all got our first caps together in 2017 and seeing us grow has been amazing. We are all very different, but come together well to perform on the field.”

France, like England, is also undefeated in 2024. But The Red Roses must have too much for Les Bleus.

In his first season in charge, head coach Mitchell has taken his team’s attacking play to new heights with the help of former England men’s boss Brian Ashton.

In this Six Nations, England have scored 38 tries and 228 points.

“We talked about taking the handbrake off and that’s what we’re doing. By doing that, we find different ways to score,” Kilduune said.

In their spare time, the English players regularly have social evenings. One of the highlights of this camp was an in-house darts evening.

Ominously for France, Mitchell believes his team can go even better for their Grand Slam decider after beating Ireland 88-10 at Twickenham, scoring fourteen tries.

“We have the opportunity to make another call this weekend,” Mitchell said. ‘This group has such high standards that we will never be satisfied. We will always want to get better.’