Marlie Packer is undefeated as England captain
Marlie Packer says she wants to remain England captain for next year's Rugby World Cup and "inspire" future generations of young women.
Fresh from a comeback win over Canada to seal the WXV1 title, the Red Roses were drawn in Pool A against Australia, the United States and Samoa for the 2025 showpiece tournament.
Packer said she "would have never dreamt" of being in the position she is today, leading the world number one women's rugby team, who have now won 50 of their past 51 matches.
While there is a lot of rugby to be played before next summer – both domestically and internationally – Packer is setting her sights on winning the biggest prize on home soil.
"I want the Red Roses to be successful and go out there and win it, and I want to be a part of that," the 35-year-old told BBC Radio Somerset.
"This is a really exciting time. We've got a strapline in the Red Roses to 'do it for the girls'.
"Whether that's for yourself back when you were seven years old, you now, or the future generations. It's about everything and that is what we want to do come 2025.
"We want to inspire the future but also the pioneers of the game that got us on the map and put all the hard work in when there wasn't funding, when the game was in such a different place to where it is now. That's what we want to win [the 2025 World Cup] for."
Packer (left) said England want to win the World Cup "for the girls" and to inspire future generations
The only defeat England have suffered in the past five years was the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand.
But the Red Roses are unbeaten since Packer took on the captaincy during the 2023 Six Nations – something she is proud of and believes will continue.
"Since I've been captain we've not lost a game, so I'll have that one at the moment," she said.
"You've got five games in the Six Nations, you'll have a couple of warm-up games and then you'll have the World Cup.
"So you're looking around that 30 mark again to whether we can win that World Cup final, which in my head it's a definite 'yes'.
"We just need to make sure we work really hard as a group and keep inspiring each other, and remembering why we are the best in the world is because we push each other to be the best."
Packer thankful for 'tough' World Cup draw
Can anyone stop dominant England winning World Cup?
England fight back to beat Canada and retain WXV1 title
Packer, who has returned from the WXV1 tournament to Saracens for the Premiership season, said captaining England and the success they have enjoyed is often a "pinch-me moment".
"I just feel very… not lucky, but very honoured and privileged to be in the place I am," she added.
"There is a lot of hard work and sacrifices that have gone alongside it. But to be able to say you've run out for your country as captain and travelled the world through a sport that you love doing is pretty special."
Premier League: Nottm Forest v Crystal Palace – team news & build-up
Van Dijk in talks with Liverpool about new deal
'We lost our local fans, we lost our beautiful stadium, we lost our city'
A family driven from their home by a violent spirit
The truth behind rumours about strange events in a terraced house in West Belfast in 1989
The inside story of a scandal that rocked Hollywood. Video
Who is the mysterious former waiter who bought Hollywood's legendary MGM/UA studio in 1990?
Who will run Rupert Murdoch’s media empire in the future?
The succession battle played out in a court room in the US State of Nevada recently
David uncovers the hidden histories of two buildings
Discover the lives of residents in London and Berlin during World War Two
Rabada takes 300th Test wicket – how does he compare?
Benitez praises 'fantastic' Jones performance for Liverpool. Video
Penalty 'momentum killer' for title hopes – Norris
'Slot's more measured Liverpool pass biggest test yet'
Should Wolves have reacted quicker to controversial Man City winner? Video
Chiefs stay unbeaten after scrappy Super Bowl rematch
New Zealand beat South Africa to win T20 World Cup. Video
Are exhibitions impacting 'tight' tennis calendar?
Bates and Devine's crowning moment in World Cup of hope
Man City winner at Wolves a 'grey area' – but what does law say?
Stockholm derby suspended after pyrotechnics thrown
Pearsall makes NFL debut 50 days after being shot
Do Arsenal have a red card problem – and could it cost them the title?
The black coaches leading Orlando Pride to success
Which Premier League players have been surprise packages?
Desperate measures bring Pakistan a moment of salvation
'Never give up' – Calafiori's journey from big injury to Premier League
From Accrington Stanley to England No 2 – who is 'all round good egg' Barry?
Tuchel – a sacrifice of principle or best man for England job?
Vote now for your BBC Women's Footballer of the Year
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
Launching all New Sports News Portal. Advert
