# Marlie Packer on Red Roses' reset and motherhood

> England's rugby captain reflects on ending a 39-game winning streak, preparing for New Zealand, and welcoming her second child.
- Title: Marlie Packer on Red Roses' reset and motherhood · Sky Sports
- Summary: England's rugby captain reflects on ending a 39-game winning streak, preparing for New Zealand, and welcoming her second child. Even dominant teams face…
- Keywords: marlie packer, england red roses, new zealand black ferns, women's rugby, wxv global series, winning streak ended, twickenham, canada draw, motherhood, rosie galligan, rugby union, coaching
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12040/13590630/marlie-packer-chats-to-sky-sports-about-englands-red-roses-losing-their-winning-run-planning-a-response-vs-new-zealand-and-motherhood
- Published: 2026-09-22T11:01:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: marlie packer, england red roses, new zealand black ferns, women's rugby, wxv global series, winning streak ended, twickenham, canada draw, motherhood, rosie galligan, rugby union, coaching
## 39-game streak ends in draw
England's Red Roses lost their 39-Test winning run dating back to 2022 in a 26-26 draw against Canada in Exeter last week.
## A gripping eight-try thriller
The match featured eight tries and went down to the final play with the clock in the red at a sold-out Sandy Park.
## Not a loss, a learning curve
Packer said the draw wasn't what England wanted but it's made them sharpen their focus and put more work into preparing for New Zealand.

> It's not what we wanted, but it wasn't a loss. It's a learning curve.
## Canada avenging World Cup loss
Last year England beat Canada 33-13 in the World Cup final at Twickenham. This draw is Canada's first step toward revenge in a three-Test series.
## New Zealand backlash coming
Packer promised the Black Ferns will face a strong Red Roses team at Twickenham on Saturday, with a new pitch and players buzzing to respond.

> New Zealand can expect a very strong Red Roses team coming at them.
## Playing at rugby's home
Every player wants to play at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, the home of English rugby, and Packer said the girls are excited to get back out there.
## A dynamic matchup ahead
Both England and New Zealand are strong, dynamic teams that will put on a great game of rugby for fans and neutrals alike.
## Baby girl arriving soon
Packer's fiancée and Red Roses teammate Rosie Galligan is due to give birth to their second child at the end of next month.

> It's five weeks until Rosie has our little girl.
## Stepping back from rugby
Packer confirmed she will step away from rugby for a period once the baby arrives and won't travel to Canada for the away leg.

> I'll be supporting and cheering on the girls and I'm sure I'll be back on the phone to Mitch a couple of times.
## Elite coach joins women's rugby
Former Wales, Lions and France defence coach Shaun Edwards joined England's coaching team as a consultant until the end of the WXV Global Series.
## Women's rugby gaining respect
Packer believes Edwards' appointment shows the progress women's rugby has made, with elite coaches now wanting to be part of the Red Roses.

> It just really shows where the game is going, but also where the women's game for Red Roses is.
## Key takeaway

Even dominant teams face setbacks, but what matters is how they respond. Packer shows that elite athletes balance high-pressure competition with personal milestones.