Marlie Packer England’s Rugby Icon
Early Life and Background
Born on October 2, 1989, in Yeovil, Somerset, England, Marlie Packer grew up with a passion for sports that would eventually shape her entire life. She attended Birchfield Community Primary School before moving on to Buckler’s Mead Academy and later Yeovil College, where she continued to develop both academically and athletically.
What makes Marlie’s story particularly inspiring is her diverse professional background. Before becoming a full-time rugby player, she qualified as a plumber and heating engineer, working for Homeserve in South West London. This practical trade background set her apart from many professional athletes and demonstrated her strong work ethic from an early age.
Marlie Packer Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marlie Packer |
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1989 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Yeovil, Somerset, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | Information not publicly available |
| Weight | Information not publicly available |
| Position | Flanker / Openside Flanker |
| Current Club | Saracens Women (2017-present) |
| International Team | England (Red Roses) |
| International Debut | 2008 |
| International Caps | 100+ caps |
| Education | Birchfield Community Primary School Buckler’s Mead Academy Yeovil College |
| Profession (Before Rugby) | Qualified Plumber and Heating Engineer |
| Previous Employer | Homeserve, South West London |
| Children | Son – Oliver (born September 2020) |
| Former Partner | Natasha |
| Current Relationship | Rosie Galligan (reported) |
| Club Career | Bath Rugby (2007-2009) Bristol (2009-2013, 2016-2017) Wasps (2013-2016) Saracens Women (2017-present) |
| Current Role | Vice-Captain of England Red Roses Co-Captain of Saracens Women |
| Major Honors | 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Winner 2023 World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year 6+ Six Nations Grand Slams WXV1 Championship (2023) 3x Premiership Women’s Rugby titles |
| Notable Achievement | England’s all-time top forwards try-scorer Test centurion (100+ caps) |
| Hometown Recognition | Honorary Member of Yeovil RFC (2014) Freedom of Yeovil (2014) |
| Playing Style | Relentless work ethic, versatile back row player, exceptional at breakdown, strong leadership |
The Beginning of a Rugby Journey
Marlie’s love affair with rugby began at just five years old when she joined Ivel Barbarians in Yeovil. She remained loyal to the club for 13 years, developing the fundamental skills and passion that would carry her through an illustrious career. Those formative years laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
Her club career progression reads like a roadmap of English women’s rugby. She played for Bath Rugby from 2007 to 2009, then moved to Bristol where she had two stints (2009-2013 and 2016-2017). Between those Bristol periods, she represented Wasps from 2013 to 2016, before finally settling at Saracens Women in 2017, where she continues to play today.
International Career and Achievements
Marlie Packer made her England debut in 2008, beginning what would become a legendary international career. Playing primarily as a flanker or openside flanker, she has accumulated over 100 caps for her country, reaching her centenary cap against Italy in 2024. She holds the distinction of being England’s all-time top forwards try-scorer, a testament to her attacking prowess and finishing ability.
Her trophy cabinet is enviable. She was part of the triumphant England squad that won the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, starting in the final itself. Although England fell short in the 2017 and 2021/2022 World Cup finals, finishing as runners-up, Marlie has celebrated more than six Six Nations Grand Slam championships throughout her career.
Beyond the 15-a-side game, Marlie also excelled in sevens rugby. She was selected for the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup squad and later secured a full-time England Sevens contract in 2014, competing in various World Series tournaments.
Leadership and Captaincy
Marlie Packer’s leadership qualities became officially recognized when she was appointed captain of England before the 2023 Six Nations. Under her captaincy, the Red Roses secured a Grand Slam that year and went on to win the inaugural WXV1 championship in 2023. She led the team to another Six Nations Grand Slam in 2024 before the captaincy was transferred to Zoe Aldcroft later that year. She currently serves as vice-captain, continuing to provide invaluable leadership and experience.
At club level, she serves as co-captain at Saracens alongside Lotte Clapp, demonstrating her leadership abilities extend beyond international rugby.
Personal Life: Partner and Family
Marlie’s personal life has been a source of interest for many fans. She became a mother to her son Oliver in September 2020, with her former partner Natasha. Motherhood added a new dimension to her already demanding career, and she has become a role model for athletes balancing parenthood with elite sport.
In recent times, there has been public interest regarding Marlie Packer’s partner and her relationship with fellow rugby player Rosie Galligan. The Marlie Packer Rosie Galligan relationship has garnered attention within the rugby community, as both athletes represent the highest level of English rugby. While Marlie keeps much of her personal life private, her connection with Rosie Galligan reflects the close-knit nature of the women’s rugby community.
Awards and Honors
The year 2023 proved to be exceptional for Marlie, as she was awarded World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year. This prestigious honor recognized her outstanding performances, leadership, and impact on the game throughout the season.
Her individual accolades also include the 2012 England Players’ Player award during the Six Nations, the 2013 Bristol Coaches Player of the Season, and the 2018 Saracens Coaches Player of the Season. In 2014, she received special recognition from her hometown when she was made an honorary member of Yeovil RFC and granted the Freedom of Yeovil.
With Saracens, she won the inaugural Tyrells Premier 15s in 2018 and has collected three Premiership Women’s Rugby titles, establishing the club as a dominant force in English rugby.
Playing Style and Impact
Marlie is renowned for her relentless work ethic on the field. As a versatile back row player, she brings pace and exceptional ability at the breakdown. Her leadership presence extends beyond simply wearing the captain’s armband—she influences games through her actions and sets standards for teammates to follow.
Her impact on women’s rugby extends far beyond statistics and trophies. In April 2023, she led England out at Twickenham before a world record crowd, carrying her son Oliver onto the pitch in an unforgettable moment that symbolized the growth of women’s rugby and the possibility of balancing motherhood with elite sport.
As a test centurion, she shares the distinction with Emily Scarratt as one of the most experienced players in the current England squad. She has become one of the most recognizable names in women’s rugby and serves as an advocate for the sport’s continued development.
Current Status
As of the 2024-2025 season, Marley Packer remains an active player for both Saracens and England. As vice-captain of the England Red Roses, she continues to influence games with her experience and skill. Her leadership presence remains crucial to the squad’s success, and she shows no signs of slowing down.
Throughout her career, Marlie has proven that dedication, versatility, and leadership can take an athlete to the highest levels of their sport. From her beginnings at Ivel Barbarians to becoming World Player of the Year, her journey inspires the next generation of rugby players across England and beyond.
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