Venner, Robinson Earn Full England Contracts for 2026-27 Season
By Sydney HarmonGloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner and Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson have secured their first full-time England contracts, joining 30 other players for the 2026-27 season, a significant development for the Red Roses' squad depth.
The 32 contracted players were announced as England Rugby continues to build on its recent successes, including an eighth consecutive Six Nations title.
New Faces and Reinforced Positions
Mia Venner's journey to a full-time contract has been protracted. She debuted for England in 2020 at just 17 but had to wait five years for her second cap, which came against Italy in the 2025 Six Nations. Despite being the joint-top try-scorer in the 2024-25 Premier 15s (PWR) season, she was notably omitted from the World Cup squad.
However, Venner featured in England's recent Six Nations triumphs over Scotland and Italy, demonstrating Head Coach John Mitchell's strategic experimentation with his back-three options. BBC Rugby Union reported this career trajectory, highlighting her persistence and recent form.
Flo Robinson, also 24, now provides specialized scrum-half cover, a crucial role previously filled by players like Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Helena Rowland, who are more accustomed to other backline positions. Her inclusion means Moloney-MacDonald and Rowland are less likely to be shifted from their primary roles. This depth reinforcement was noted by BBC Rugby Union as a key outcome of the new contracts.
Lilli Ives Campion, who became England's most experienced second row during the Six Nations due to various injuries, also earned her inaugural full-time contract. Additionally, 17-year-old Demelza Short, who made six appearances and two starts in the recent Six Nations, is one of six players receiving a transition contract, signaling the development pathway for future talent.
Squad Continuity and Future Fixtures
The contracted list also includes players returning from maternity leave, such as Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies, who all remain integral to the squad. Veteran players like Marlie Packer, Natasha Hunt, and Alex Matthews, who contributed to both the 2014 and 2025 World Cup triumphs, continue as key figures in the Red Roses setup.
Charlie Hayter, England Rugby's head of women's performance, emphasized the competitive nature and commitment within the squad. He stated that the announcement recognizes players who consistently drive standards and embody the team's ethos, as evidenced by their achievements in the 2025-26 season. Hayter also highlighted that fierce internal competition is one of the team's greatest strengths, a point reiterated by BBC Rugby Union.
England faces a demanding schedule later this year, with home Tests against Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in September. They will then travel for additional matches in October, including two Tests against Canada and one against the United States. Their quest for a record-extending ninth consecutive Six Nations title will commence away to Wales on April 10, a fixture keenly anticipated across international rugby news.