Mia Venner waited five long years between her first and second caps for England. Now, at 22, she has finally earned something even bigger: a full-time professional contract.
Venner, a wing player for Gloucester-Hartpury, is one of 32 women named in England Rugby's contracts for the 2026-27 season — a signal that the sport is continuing to invest in its women's players in meaningful ways. She made her debut as a 17-year-old back in 2020, but juggling rugby with other work meant she never had the chance to go full-time until now.
"This is something I've worked towards for a long time," Venner said in an interview with England Rugby. "Having that security to focus purely on my game — it changes everything."
She wasn't the only player celebrating. Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson, also 24, received her first full-time deal too. Robinson brings specialist skills at a crucial position, giving England steady backup behind established stars Natasha Hunt and Lucy Packer. That depth matters: when players aren't forced to play out of position just to fill gaps, the whole team benefits.
Another newcomer, Lilli Ives Campion, suddenly found herself as England's most experienced second-row player during the Six Nations after injuries hit the squad. She stepped up when it mattered most, and England noticed — awarding her a first full-time contract as a reward.
The contracts also send a clear message about inclusion. Four players who are currently pregnant or recently gave birth — Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Lark Atkin-Davies, who welcomed her daughter in June — are all included in the list. It reflects a growing commitment to supporting players through life's biggest moments without punishing them for it.
Teenager Demelza Short, just 19, earned a transition contract after making four appearances in the Six Nations campaign. These smaller deals give young players a foothold — a chance to train with the squad and prove themselves before stepping up to bigger contracts.
Charlie Hayter, England's head of women's performance, said the group represents players who push each other every single day. "Competition within this squad remains incredibly fierce, and that's one of our greatest strengths," he said.
England will face Australia, Canada, and New Zealand in matches across Manchester, Exeter, and London this September, then head to North America for games against Canada and the United States in October. Their hunt for a record ninth consecutive Six Nations title begins on April 10 against Wales.
For players like Venner, this contract isn't just a paycheck. It's recognition that the years of waiting, working, and hoping were worth it.