“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.
Esta historia es de la edición May 31, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 31, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Brexit Deals A £3bn-A-Year Blow To UK Food Exports
British food sales to the EU have fallen by almost a fifth since the end of the Brexit transition period, a new report shows
Biden Criticised Across The Board For Pardoning His Son
President’s decision slated by Republicans and Democrats
Why 8 hours is a myth and other athletes' sleep secrets
Performance coach Greg Meehan tells Alex Pattle how he keeps clients, including boxers and footballers, in top shape
Women like me won't stand for this treatment any more
When I woke up to MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace blaming midlife, middle-class women and their lack of a sense of humour for his troubles, I confess to swearing at my phone.
The BBC's Wallace problem goes beyond MasterChef
Is the fate of a television cookery presenter more important than Syrian insurgents seizing Aleppo and the turmoil on the streets in Georgia? The BBC thinks so, based on its news judgements in recent days, which have seen exhaustive coverage of the accusations against Gregg Wallace take precedence over matters of life and death around the world.
Edwards knew that he was beaten but he never gave up
Former world flyweight champion told cornerman, 'I don't want to be here' after two rounds of his loss to Galal Yafai
Proud Welshman who drew every drop from his talent
Terry Griffiths was the first qualifier to lift the world crown
Former world champion Terry Griffiths dies, aged 77
Tributes have been paid to former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths, who died on Sunday at the age of 77 after a long battle with dementia.
Transformed Gravenberch embodies Slot's Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp had a habit of sounding prophetic. Or he had the capacity, whether through coaching and tactical prowess or force of personality, to make some of what he said come true.
Soaring house prices heap pressure on fixer Rayner
Sorry to make a soggy start to the week even more miserable, but it brings bad news for homebuyers. The housing market has taken a shot of adrenaline and performed a season’s best in the high jump.
