The RFU has confirmed a new four-year contract framework for the Red Roses, in a milestone statement for the England’s women’s players.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
The deal has been agreed between the RFU, the players and their commercial representatives, Team England Rugby (TER), and represents another major investment in the women’s game as England looks to remain the world’s leading rugby nation throughout the 2026-2030 cycle.
The new agreement is designed to give players greater financial security while continuing to strengthen the pathway for the next generation of Red Roses.
What’s included in the new deal?
The new contract framework includes:
- A minimum of 32 full-time professional contracts.
- The continuation of transitional contracts to support emerging players.
- Increased salaries and match fees.
- More commercial earning opportunities for players.
- A Rugby World Cup selection bonus for players chosen to represent England.
- A mid-cycle review to reassess player pay and support if the commercial growth of the women’s game exceeds expectations.
The agreement builds on the professional contracts first introduced in 2019, which helped transform England’s women’s programme into one of the strongest in world rugby.
The RFU says it has continued to invest heavily in the women’s game despite it still being in a growth phase, pointing to increased participation, bigger crowds, rising commercial revenues and the Red Roses’ position as the world’s number one-ranked side.
The announcement also comes alongside the RFU’s existing £24 million investment into Premiership Women’s Rugby over the next decade — the largest governing body investment in a domestic women’s competition anywhere in the world.
Red Roses captain Meg Jones welcomed the agreement, saying:
“As Red Roses our goal is always to be the number one team in the world on the field and off it. The investment into our programme and our pathways is critical to that and so this is an important moment for the group and for the game in England.”
“The progress we’ve seen in recent seasons has been incredible, and this takes things another step forward. It gives players greater security, more opportunity and recognition for what it means to represent England.”
“Just as importantly, it’s about the future – continuing to invest in a strong pipeline of players, and making sure the next generation has an even stronger platform to come through and succeed.”
LATEST RUGBY NEWS
- Bath confirm major coaching departure with immediate effect
- Super Rugby Aupiki: Round 2 – Matatu and Blues keep unbeaten starts alive
- Super Rugby Women: Round 3 – Fijiana Drua take top spot
- Former pro-rugby player is running 100 Ultra Marathons in 100 Days for brain injury charities
- RUCK’s Team of the Season: United Rugby Championship 2025/26
