‘Retiring? I'm Still Striving To Be The Best In The World'

Marlie Packer has plenty left in the tank and an eye on World Cup success on home soil, she tells Harry Latham-Coyle

- Harry Latham-Coyle

“There seem to be more people asking me that these days,” Marlie Packer chuckles as we alight on the topic of what life beyond the sport she has devoted her life to might hold. “What is it – you hit 100 caps and get asked what life after rugby is going to be like?”

It feels like a natural question for a player who has, for 16 years now internationally, forged her rugby trade on sticking her head in places that others won’t. Tough, savvy, confrontational and explosive, Packer is the archetypal openside flanker – and even at 34, she’s still pushing her game on.

Elevated to the England captaincy a year ago, the last 12 months have brought three trophies, a World Player of the Year gong and not a single defeat. Packer has led from the front throughout, helping head coach John Mitchell forge a new culture and playing style that has brought rich dividends. And with a home World Cup on the horizon that she very much hopes to lead England into, the Saracens flanker wants to make one thing clear.

“This ain’t a retirement speech,” Packer stresses in her trademark straight-talking style, reflecting on her career after winning the Special Merit Award from the Rugby Players’ Association. “But to be able to put on my shirt for my country 100 times is very special. I feel so much pride. I’m honoured to have been able to do what I’ve done for so long.