From World Cup Glory to Club Commitment

England's veteran flanker Marlie Packer has emphatically dismissed retirement rumors following her second Women's Rugby World Cup triumph, confirming her Red Roses contract extends through June 2026. The 35-year-old Saracens star, who earned her 112th international cap during the tournament, told BBC Radio Somerset:

"This isn't a farewell tour – I'm in peak physical condition and fully committed to Saracens' Premiership Women's Rugby campaign. Our season opener against Gloucester is where my focus lies now."

Packer lifting the World Cup trophy with son Oliver watching – Image: Getty Images

Leadership Legacy and Family Motivation

The 2023 World Player of the Year transitioned seamlessly from England captain to vice-captain role, later skippering the squad during critical World Cup warm-ups. Packer attributes her sustained excellence to dual motivations:

• Developing Women's Rugby: Helped draw record 82,000 fans to Twickenham final
• Parental Inspiration: Son Oliver's awe during trophy presentation fuels her drive

Strategic Career Management

Packer's post-championship roadmap includes:

1. Guiding Saracens to back-to-back PWR titles
2. Mentoring England's emerging talent pool
3. Advocating for enhanced professional pathways in women's rugby

"Winning in 2014 and 2023 gives me unique perspective," Packer noted. "The sport's transformation over this decade demands we keep pushing boundaries – that's my next challenge."