England's dominance in women's rugby is undeniable, with a world record-breaking winning streak and an unblemished record in the Six Nations since 2018. But is this dominance a good thing for the sport? While the Rugby Football Union's investment in full-time contracts, marketing, and sponsorships has undoubtedly contributed to England's success, it raises questions about the future of women's rugby. On one hand, England's dominance has led to increased crowds and a growing interest in the sport. The team's success has brought thousands of fans to the game, with sold-out matches at Twickenham and Ashton Gate. However, there are concerns that this dominance could stifle competition and make the sport less exciting for spectators. As Ugo Monye points out, if ticket prices rise as women's rugby becomes more popular, fans may expect more competitive matches to keep returning to stadiums. Additionally, the gap between England and other nations has not always been as big as the winning run suggests, with close matches against France in recent years. This raises the question of whether the sport is becoming too one-sided, with England's dominance potentially overshadowing the competition. On the other hand, the Red Roses' success has set a standard for other nations to follow. The team's investment in full-time contracts and professional development has created a model for other countries to emulate. As Amy Cokayne notes, the RFU's investment has set the path for other nations to follow, with the potential for the sport to grow and become more competitive. In the long term, the sport's growth and competitiveness will depend on how other nations respond to England's dominance. If they can close the gap and create more competitive matches, the sport will benefit from increased interest and excitement. However, if the gap continues to widen, the sport may struggle to maintain its momentum and attract new fans. Ultimately, England's dominance is a double-edged sword. While it has brought increased interest and crowds to the sport, it also raises questions about the future of women's rugby and the need for more competitive matches. The burden is not on England to ease off, but on everyone else to close the gap and create a more exciting and competitive sport.
