Blood, bruises and belief: how England’s women’s rugby team embody physical and mental endurance

Published on October 6, 2025

As women’s sport surges on the global stage, hosts England have lit up the Women’s Rugby World Cup. But the tackles, speed and power fans see on the field are only part of the story. What we don’t see is what it takes – both physically and psychologically – to wear England’s emblem, the Red Rose. Dr Helen Owton.
First published on Mon, 06 Oct 2025 as Blood, bruises and belief: how England’s women’s rugby team embody physical and mental endurance. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Copyright 2025

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