Marlie Packer is one of England’s most successful women’s rugby players. She has represented the Red Roses for more than 15 years and has become respected for her leadership, powerful defence and consistency on the pitch. Born on 2 October 1989 in Yeovil, Somerset, Packer is 36 years old in 2026. She plays as a loose forward or flanker and has won two Women’s Rugby World Cups with England.
She became a household name in women’s rugby after helping England win the 2014 and 2025 World Cups. Her career also includes many Six Nations Grand Slam victories, three Premiership titles and the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award. In 2026, she received an OBE for her contribution to rugby. She is also a mother, brand ambassador, public speaker and business director.
Marlie Packer’s Age, Height and Background
Marlie Packer was born in Yeovil, England, on 2 October 1989. She is 36 years old during 2026 and holds British nationality. She is 1.65 metres tall and weighs approximately 73 kilograms. Her position is loose forward, although she is also commonly described as a flanker or back-row player.
Packer grew up in a sporting environment and started playing rugby when she was only five years old. Her first club was Ivel Barbarians in Yeovil, where she spent 13 years developing her skills. Her early rugby experience helped her build the toughness and confidence that later became central to her professional career.
Marlie Packer Early Rugby Journey
Marlie Packer joined Ivel Barbarians at the age of five. Remaining at one grassroots club for 13 years gave her a strong foundation and helped her understand the value of teamwork. She played rugby during a period when opportunities for girls were more limited than they are today. Her progress showed that young female players could develop through local clubs and reach the highest level. Her time in Yeovil also created a lasting connection with her hometown. She has often spoken proudly about her roots and the support she received from her family and local community.
Moving into Senior Rugby
After leaving Ivel Barbarians, Packer joined Bath in 2007. She then moved to Bristol in 2009, where her performances began attracting greater attention. In 2013, she joined Wasps and continued to improve as a back-row forward. She later returned to Bristol before making the move to Saracens Women in 2017. The move to Saracens became a major turning point. She joined a club with strong ambitions and soon became one of its most important players.
Club Career at Saracens
Success with Saracens Women
Marlie Packer joined Saracens Women in 2017 and spent nine years at the club. During this period, Saracens became one of the strongest teams in English women’s rugby. She helped the club win three Premiership Women’s Rugby titles. She was also involved in the team’s success during the early years of the competition, including back-to-back title victories in 2017–18 and 2018–19.
Packer became known for her high work rate, strong tackling and ability to lead by example. She also served as captain and helped create high standards within the squad. Her Saracens career included more than 100 appearances. The club described her as a major influence both on the field and within the wider women’s programme.
Leaving Saracens
Marlie Packer left Saracens at the end of the 2025–26 season. Her departure closed an important nine-year chapter in her club career. Although she had considered retirement, she decided to continue playing. She joined Harlequins Women for the 2026–27 season, beginning a new stage in her professional journey. The move also means she will remain connected with Rosie Galligan, her England teammate and fiancée, who is also joining Harlequins.
England Rugby Career
Making Her International Debut
Marlie Packer made her England debut in 2008. She quickly became a regular part of the Red Roses squad and developed into one of the country’s most experienced forwards. Her international career has lasted more than 17 years. During that time, she has represented England in major tournaments, including four Women’s Rugby World Cups. She has earned more than 110 caps for England and has become one of the country’s most recognised rugby players. Her Red Rose shirt number is 150.
2014 Rugby World Cup Victory
Marlie Packer was part of England’s winning 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad in France. The victory was a major milestone for English women’s rugby. The tournament helped establish her as an international leader. She demonstrated her ability to compete against the world’s best forwards and perform under pressure. Winning the World Cup at a young age gave Packer confidence and created the first major international success of her career.
2017 and 2022 World Cup Finals
England reached the 2017 World Cup final in Ireland, with Packer included in the squad. England lost to New Zealand but remained one of the leading teams in world rugby. She also competed at the 2022 World Cup in New Zealand. England reached the final again, but New Zealand won the match by a narrow margin. These defeats were difficult, but they strengthened Packer’s desire to achieve success with England. Her experience from both tournaments later helped her guide younger players.
2025 World Cup Triumph
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup became another historic moment for Packer. England won the tournament on home soil and defeated Canada 33–13 in the final. The victory made Packer a double World Cup champion. She became part of a small group of players to win the tournament twice. Her contribution extended beyond match performances. She brought experience, calmness and leadership to a squad facing major expectations from supporters across England.
Captaincy and Leadership
Marlie Packer became England captain in 2023 and continued in the role during 2024. She led the Red Roses through a successful period that included the first WXV1 title. Her leadership style is based on discipline, communication and personal responsibility. She is known for demanding high standards while supporting younger teammates. In 2025, Zoe Aldcroft became England captain, while Packer remained an important senior figure and vice-captain. Her experience continued to influence the team during the World Cup. Even after stepping away from the captaincy, Packer remained one of England’s strongest leaders.
Major Rugby Honours
Packer’s achievements include:
- 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup winner.
- 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup finalist.
- 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup finalist.
- 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup winner.
- Multiple Six Nations Grand Slam victories.
- Winner of the inaugural WXV1 competition in 2023.
- Three Premiership Women’s Rugby titles.
- World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2023.
- England captain from 2023 to 2024.
- More than 110 England caps.
- OBE for services to rugby.
Her professional biography also highlights eight Six Nations Grand Slam victories. These achievements make her one of the most decorated players in England’s history.
World Rugby Player of the Year
In 2023, Marlie Packer was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year. The award recognised her outstanding performances for England during a successful year. She played a major role in England’s WXV1 victory over New Zealand. Her defence, leadership and attacking work made her one of the most influential forwards in international rugby. The award confirmed her status as a world-class player and placed her among the leading figures in the women’s game.
Receiving an OBE
Marlie Packer received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s New Year Honours for 2026. She attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle and described the occasion as a day she would always remember. She reflected on her journey from a young girl in Yeovil to a double World Cup champion. Packer also shared that her father, John Oliver, would have been proud of her achievement. Her comments showed the emotional importance of the honour and the role her family played in her career. The OBE recognises both her success on the rugby pitch and her wider influence on women’s sport.
Life Outside Rugby
Working as a Plumber
Before becoming a full-time professional rugby player, Packer worked as a plumber and heating engineer. She worked with HomeServe and took part in community projects, charity campaigns and educational activities. Her work included supporting initiatives designed to encourage women to consider careers in engineering and technical industries. Packer’s experience challenged the idea that elite athletes must follow a single career path. She combined professional work with international rugby before becoming fully established in the sport.
Speaking and Media Work
Marlie Packer now works as a brand ambassador, keynote speaker and rugby pundit. She has contributed to BBC, World Rugby and TNT Sports projects. Her speaking topics include leadership, mental strength, resilience, pressure management and communication. She also shares her experience of dealing with injuries, professional setbacks and major sporting expectations. Her calm and direct speaking style has helped her connect with audiences outside rugby.
Marlie Packer Partner and Personal Life
Marlie Packer is engaged to Rosie Galligan, an England international and former Saracens teammate. In April 2026, the couple announced that they were expecting a baby, due in October 2026.
Packer is also the mother of a son named Oliver. She has shared special family moments with him, including his appearances at rugby events and celebrations following England’s victories. In 2026, she shared a photograph of Oliver shortly before his sixth birthday.
Packer and Galligan have described Oliver as the baby’s big brother. The couple have also spoken publicly about parenthood, pregnancy and IVF during a rugby podcast.
Business Activities
Companies House records show that Marlie Packer is a director of two active companies. She became a director of PACKER LTD on 12 September 2023. The company carries out activities connected with public relations, communications and sports.
Marlie Packer also became a director of PACKERS PROPERTIES LTD on 8 January 2025. The company is connected with property-related business activities. These companies reflect her growing work away from the rugby field. Her professional activities now include sports promotion, media work, public speaking and commercial partnerships.
Social Media and Brand Partnerships
Marlie Packer has a verified Instagram account with more than 35,000 followers. Her account focuses on rugby, family life, sponsorships and personal achievements. Her social media biography describes her as a proud parent, England Red Rose No. 150 and a double World Cup champion.
She has worked with brands and organisations including O2, England Rugby Hospitality, Avanti, YUYU and Prevented Ocean Plastic. She also supports charitable causes such as Brave Mind and Food Bank Aid. Her professional work shows that she has developed a strong identity beyond match-day rugby.
Marlie Packer’s Legacy
Marlie Packer’s career represents the growth of women’s rugby in England. She began at a local club in Yeovil and progressed to become an England captain and double World Cup champion. Her achievements are supported by years of discipline, physical effort and mental strength. She has also dealt with injury, changes in leadership and the pressure of competing at the highest level. Her move to Harlequins marks a fresh chapter, but her contribution to Saracens and England will remain important.
Conclusion
Marlie Packer is a decorated England rugby player, respected leader, mother and businesswoman. Her career includes two World Cup victories, multiple Grand Slam titles, three Premiership trophies and the World Rugby Player of the Year award.
Her OBE reflects the lasting impact she has made on English rugby. From her early days at Ivel Barbarians to her success with England, she has remained committed to the sport. As she begins her next chapter with Harlequins and prepares for family life with Rosie Galligan, Packer continues to inspire young players across the country.
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