Red Roses' Unbreakable Bonds: Tattoos, Triumph, and Team Spirit After Rugby World Cup 2025 Glory
Explore the unforgettable celebrations of England's Red Roses after their historic Rugby World Cup 2025 victory over Canada. From spontaneous tattoos to emotional pub gatherings, discover how the team honored their triumph and the bonds that fueled their success.
A Tattoo of Triumph
England's Rugby World Cup 2025 victory took an indelible turn when star full-back Ellie Kildunne transformed into an impromptu tattoo artist for head coach John Mitchell. The 61-year-old strategist now sports an equals sign and '2025' on his wrist – a permanent tribute to their 32-28 final victory over Canada.
Prop Hannah Botterman mirrored the sentiment, updating her jersey sleeve with '2025' alongside England's previous World Cup wins (1994, 2014).
Midnight Cider & Stadium Anthems
- Captain Zoe Aldcroft and scrum-half Natasha Hunt broke a 13-month alcohol abstinence pact, celebrating with iced cider on the Allianz Stadium pitch
- The team belted out a rugby-adapted version of Freed from Desire:
"England's on fire/Watch our back three come alive... coming at us, it's suicide"
- Post-match festivities moved to the Red Roses Patch (formerly Cabbage Patch pub), where 2014 champions joined current players in raucous singalongs
Dawn Patrol & Life Lessons
- Aldcroft managed just 75 minutes of sleep before media duties after returning to the hotel at 6:30 AM
- Prop Sarah Bern delivered an emotional rallying cry to aspiring players:
- "Rugby welcomes all – tall, short, fast, powerful. It gave me confidence when traditional classrooms couldn't."
- Revealed tentative plans for a 32-player squad trip to Ibiza before club season resumes
Legacy in the Making
Social media star Ilona Maher (ex-Bristol Bears) joined celebrations, while Mitchell's early exit (1:30 AM) contrasted with players' sunrise return. The victory marks England's third World Cup title, cementing their dominance in women's rugby.
"This isn't just a trophy – it's proof that rugby builds families," Bern told BBC's Rugby Union Weekly, encapsulating the Red Roses' ethos of inclusion and relentless drive.
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