By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The Red Roses, England’s women’s rugby team, have teamed up with the Spice Girls in a high-profile collaboration that leaders say will highlight a pivotal year for women’s rugby and broaden the sport’s reach to new audiences.
The partnership unites the world’s No. 1 women’s rugby side with the most successful girl group of all time as England prepares to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup, widely described as a generational moment for the game.
Rugby participation among women and girls has surged in recent years, and officials hope the Spice Girls’ backing will bring added visibility. The collaboration will also feature licensed merchandise designed by England Rugby partners Castore, Fanatics and Gilbert.
Products launched this week include a three-piece Castore range with a fan jersey, track jacket and collegiate bomber jacket. Fanatics will roll out a wide selection of apparel for adults and children, while Gilbert, the team’s official training equipment supplier, has produced a limited edition rugby ball branded with both the Red Roses and the Spice Girls.
“This is a really important year for us as a team and it’s fantastic to partner with a band which shares so many of the same values as we do,” Red Roses captain Zoe Aldcroft said. “We know how critical it is that the tournament inspires lots of people, girls and boys, to get into rugby. The Spice Girls, with their huge following, will really help our sport reach new places, new fans of all ages and further boost the growth we’ve seen in recent years.”
The Spice Girls said in a statement that they were “excited to partner with the Red Roses in supporting women’s sport,” noting that the Rugby Football Union will, for the first time, be led by a female president. “That’s incredible Girl Power,” the group said.
The collaboration comes as women’s rugby continues to gain momentum, with record attendances at matches in England and increased global broadcast coverage. For the Red Roses, the World Cup represents both an athletic test and an opportunity to inspire the next generation.
The merchandise range will be available exclusively in the United Kingdom beginning Sept. 4 through the Spice Girls’ official online store.
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