As we find ourselves in a brand-new year, the prospect of navigating a cold and damp January can be daunting. However, for England rugby fans, there’s plenty to be excited about. After all, the Six Nations is only a month away.
Men’s Rugby Union
With the 2024 Six Nations tournament just around the corner, the England men’s team have a chance to build on their surprise performance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Marking the first year anniversary since Steve Borthwick took the helm, he has recently announced an exciting new squad who will be coming into these Six Nations as the underdogs.
Jamie George will captain the side instead of Owen Farrell, who announced he would not be playing in this year’s Six Nations, instead focusing on his and his family’s mental wellbeing. England also have the Autumn Internationals to look forward to in November, where they take on the Southern Hemisphere’s finest teams.
Women’s Rugby Union
Like the men’s side, the England women’s team has their sights set firmly on the upcoming Six Nations. However, unlike the men’s, the Red Roses are going into the Six Nations as favourites. They’re looking to extend their winning streak into the 6th year and only France look like they might end their reign.
2024 is also an important year for the Red Roses as they are looking to prove themselves leading up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025. The pressure is also on as this WRWC is hosted by non-other than England themselves, and they will not want a repeat of what happened to the men’s team the last time they hosted the RWC in 2015. Many players will also be looking to prove themselves ahead of the first-ever women’s British and Irish Lions tour, set to take on the Black Ferns in a three-match tour in 2027.
Conclusion
There we have it, a complete round-up of what’s in store for England rugby in 2024. For the men’s team, under Steve Borthwick’s still-fresh leadership and Jamie George taking the mantle from Farrell as captain, the Six Nations offers a new opportunity to prove themselves. The Red Roses enter the Six Nations as favourites, carrying the weight of expectations and the anticipation of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on their shoulders.
Both teams, with their unique challenges and aspirations, are set to make 2024 an unforgettable year for England Rugby.
