An Oxford rugby star will be at the forefront as England women's rugby team aims to win a seventh successive Guinness Women’s Six Nations title.
Ahead of the World Cup on home soil later this year, the Red Roses are also aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Grand Slam.
Oxford-born Maud Muir who plays at prop will be central to the tournament over the next few weeks starting against Italy in York on Sunday.
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The 23-year-old began playing rugby in Oxford and she previously said her love for the game was garnered at Oxford Quins.
She made her way through the England age grade sides before being named in the 2021 Women's Six Nations Red Roses squad.
The prop made her senior debut against New Zealand off the bench in the 2021 autumn internationals and featured in all four matches at the time.
Muir now plays her club rugby for Gloucester-Hartpury who won their third straight Premiership Women's Rugby title earlier this month after defeating Saracens 34-19 in the final.
The Oxford rugby star was named player of the match and scored a try during the win.
But head coach John Mitchell expects there to be bumps in the road ahead.
“In 2024 we were tested and we got some really good learnings, so we’ve got some really good feedback there,” Mitchell said.
“We also had some learnings in 2023 as well so there’s a sprinkling of playing teams that have put us under pressure.
“We want to throw some punches in 2025 but I’m sure we’re going to get a few punches as well in the next few weeks. It’s important that we learn from that as well.”
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England’s visit to Wales on March 29 will take place at the Principality Stadium and they host France at Allianz Stadium on April 26 in what should be a Grand Slam decider.
“The Six Nations has developed massively, especially here in England. Only a couple of years ago you didn’t see the crowds that we have today,” captain Zoe Aldcroft said.
“Now we’re selling out stadiums and hopefully we’ll get really large numbers at Twickenham at the end of the tournament as well.
“The backing in general with the sponsors that are now coming in, it’s just now a huge tournament.
“And for us as a team, it’s a super important and special tournament for us to evolve in as well.
“On the pitch you have seen the development of players from all nations. The likes of Ireland are now lot more competitive."
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