Mia Venner and Flo Robinson Earn Full-Time England Contracts for 2026-27

New Delhi, India Jul 31, 2026 ALN: Gloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner and Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson have full-time England contracts for the first time, having been named among 32 deals for the 2026-27 season.

This announcement marks a significant milestone in the careers of Venner and Robinson, both of whom have demonstrated exceptional talent and perseverance in their respective positions. The introduction of full-time contracts is indicative of the growing investment in women's in England, reflecting a broader trend towards professionalization within the . The Football (RFU) has been working to enhance the status of the women's game, and the awarding of full-time contracts is a testament to the progress being made.

Mia Venner made her England debut in 2020 at the young age of 17. Her journey to becoming a regular member of the national team has been marked by both challenges and achievements. After her initial cap, Venner had to wait five years before earning her second appearance against Italy during the 2025 Six Nations. This gap highlights the competitive nature of international and the depth of talent available to the England squad. Despite her impressive performance in the 2024-25 Premier 15s (PWR) season, where she finished as joint-top try-scorer, Venner was unfortunately not selected for the World Cup, a decision that likely fueled her determination to succeed.

However, Venner's resilience paid off as she was included in the squad that celebrated an eighth straight Six Nations title earlier this year. Her contributions in matches against Scotland and Italy showcased her abilities as a dynamic winger, and head coach John Mitchell's willingness to experiment with back-three options provided Venner with the opportunity to shine. This experience is invaluable as it not only builds her confidence but also strengthens the overall squad depth, which is crucial for the team's aspirations in future tournaments.

Flo Robinson, also 24, has established herself as a vital player in the England setup, providing specialist scrum-half cover for established players Natasha Hunt and Lucy Packer. The inclusion of Robinson in the full-time contracted squad is a strategic move, as it allows the coaching staff to maintain a consistent and skilled presence in the scrum-half position. With Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Helena Rowland previously positioned to step in as scrum-halves, Robinson's contract alleviates the need for such positional swaps, enabling players to remain in their preferred roles. This decision reflects a growing recognition of the importance of specialized roles within the team and the need for players to excel in their designated positions.

In addition to Venner and Robinson, Lilli Ives Campion has also been rewarded with her first full-time contract. Campion's rise to prominence as England's most experienced second row during the Six Nations, amidst a wave of injuries and absences, underscores her adaptability and commitment to the team. Her experience will be invaluable as the squad prepares for upcoming competitions, providing mentorship to younger players while also ensuring a solid foundation in the pack.

Meanwhile, teenager Demelza Short, who made four appearances and two starts during the Six Nations, is among six players awarded a transition contract. Transition contracts are designed to support players who are on the cusp of full-time professional , providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to develop their skills further. This approach not only nurtures emerging talent but also ensures that the pipeline of skilled players continues to flow, strengthening England's position in international .

The announcement also includes recognition of players who are currently on maternity leave, such as Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Rosie Galligan, as well as hooker Lark Atkin-Davies, who recently welcomed a daughter. The inclusion of these players in the contracted squad reflects the RFU's commitment to supporting athletes through various life stages, acknowledging that motherhood and professional s can coexist. This progressive stance is crucial for fostering a culture of inclusivity within the , encouraging more women to pursue careers in without the fear of sacrificing their personal lives.

Marlie Packer, a seasoned veteran of the team, who scored seven tries during the Six Nations campaign, is among three players who have been part of the Red Roses' World Cup triumphs in both 2014 and 2025. Alongside Hunt and back row Alex Matthews, Packer's experience and leadership will be pivotal as the team navigates the challenges of upcoming competitions. The blend of seasoned veterans with emerging talent is a key strategy for maintaining competitiveness on the international stage.

Charlie Hayter, England's head of women's performance, commented on the announcement, stating, "Today's announcement recognizes a group of competitive and committed players who continue to drive standards every day and represent what this team is all about, as evidenced by our achievements in the 2025-26 season." Hayter's remarks highlight the emphasis on maintaining high standards within the squad, which is essential for sustaining success at the highest levels of competition. The competitive nature of the squad is viewed as one of its greatest strengths, pushing players to elevate their performance and contribute to the team's overall success.

Looking ahead, England's schedule is packed with challenging fixtures. They will face Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in September, with matches taking place in Manchester, Exeter, and London, respectively. These encounters will serve as crucial preparation for the squad as they aim to solidify their strategies and team dynamics. Following these matches, the team will embark on two Tests against Canada and one against the United States in October, providing further opportunities for players to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience on the international stage.

The pursuit of a record-extending ninth successive Six Nations title will commence away to Wales on 10 April. This upcoming campaign will be a test of the team's resilience and determination, as they aim to maintain their dominance in European . The Six Nations has historically been a platform for showcasing the best talent in women's , and England will be looking to build on their previous successes while navigating the challenges posed by their competitors.

Red Roses Contracted Squad for the 2026/27 Season

The contracted squad includes a mix of established stars and emerging talents, such as Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks), Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears), Jess Breach (Saracens), Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women), May Campbell (Saracens), Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury), Kelsey Clifford (Saracens), Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks), Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs), Rosie Galligan (Harlequins), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks), Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury), Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning), Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), Lucy Packer (Harlequins), Marlie Packer (Harlequins), Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury), Zoe Stratford (Sale Sharks), Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks), Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury), and Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears).

Transition Contracts

The transition contracts awarded to players include Millie David (Bristol Bears), Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women), Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning), Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women), Sarah Parry (Harlequins), and Demelza Short (Bristol Bears). These contracts serve as a bridge for players as they work towards securing full-time positions within the national setup.

Contracted until 31 October 2026

Additionally, Lizzie Hanlon (transition contract), Connie Powell, and Ella Wyrwas have received short-term contract extensions until the end of October. This flexibility allows the RFU to adapt to the evolving needs of the squad while providing players with the opportunity to prove their worth and potentially secure longer-term contracts in the future.

In conclusion, the awarding of full-time contracts to Mia Venner and Flo Robinson, alongside the recognition of other players within the England squad, signals a positive step forward for women's in England. As the continues to grow and evolve, the commitment to supporting players at all stages of their careers will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness and fostering a new generation of talent. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter for the Red Roses, as they aim to build on their recent successes and further establish their legacy in international .