Packer hails Red Roses' appointment of Shaun Edwards

With seven Guinness Six Nations titles under his belt, Shaun Edwards is about as decorated as they come in rugby union, but Marlie Packer is one of the few players who can top him.

Dual-code legend Edwards linked up with the Red Roses, joining John Mitchell’s coaching staff for the remainder of the Global WXV Series and getting stuck in immediately ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium.

Between Wales, France and his time at Wasps, Edwards has forged a reputation as one of the greatest defence coaches that rugby has seen, and this move is the latest sign of how far the Red Roses have taken the women’s game.

And after former England skipper Packer, who has 13 Guinness Six Nations to her name, realised who was joining the Red Roses set-up, she was able to reflect on just what a coup it was for the world champions.

She said: “He got introduced to us as Shaunie, which we all smiled about. He's come in, he's straight-talking, he knows his stuff, his CV is amazing, he's got more Six Nations than quite a few of the girls.

“The calibre of coach that he is, to want to come and work with the Red Roses, in the female game just showcases where the women's game is going and what this Red Roses team has done.

“I knew the name but I couldn't quite put the face to it. You go on your phone quickly and you go 'Oh, I know exactly who you mean'. I think some of the younger girls probably didn't have a clue. Meg Jones was obviously buzzing, and then quite a few of the girls were saying 'that's our dad's idol'. I just think it's really cool. It's not just for us as players, but the staff as well.”

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The Edwards effect will be particularly valuable after a rare Monday morning review for the Red Roses that did not reflect on a victory.

Packer, who swapped Saracens for Harlequins over the summer, came off the bench in a 26-26 draw with Canada at Sandy Park, a rematch of last year’s World Cup final.

That ended up a run of 39 successive victories, although the Red Roses remain unbeaten since the 2021 World Cup final, when they were edged out by the Black Ferns at Eden Park.

Now, as they prepare to celebrate a year since being crowned world champions, it is a chance to take on a Kiwi side who have impressed in recent weeks in wins over France and Scotland.

Ahead of taking on a team riding high, Packer is relishing the chance to remind everyone exactly what makes the Red Roses so special.

She said: “For us, we're not happy with the draw but we didn't lose the match and it was a great game of rugby. If you're a neutral fan, that is the kind of rugby you want to come and watch.

“We can't wait to get back to Allianz Stadium, it's the home of English rugby. The pitch is insane, it's a brand-new pitch, the Red Roses get the first run-out on that, which is pretty special in itself.

“To face New Zealand, the haka, there are some players in our squad who have never faced the haka. Along the journey, you've got to not forget all the amazing experiences you have, not just as individuals and players but also as a squad.

“We are all looking forward to it in our own different ways. But as a group, it's to put a performance in to showcase what we are about as Red Roses, from the first minute to the 80th minute, that we do everything we can to enjoy the occasion.”