91Èȱ¬

England captain Marlie Packer says the last year has been a "swift learning curve" but one she has "relished".

The 34-year-old was named skipper in the 2023 Women's Six Nations following Sarah Hunter's retirement.

In November she was named World Player of the Year after leading England to the inaugural WXV1 title with victory over New Zealand in Auckland.

"An accolade like that is very special and something that I didn't think I'd ever win," she told 91Èȱ¬ Sport.

She added: "It's been an incredible year with a lot of self-learnings. I don't think Sarah Hunter got enough credit for what she did [as captain].

"For me to take over it was a swift learning curve and one that I've relished. It's not changed me as a player on the pitch. If anything it's made me better, probably engaged my brain a little bit more."

The Saracens back row has emerged from the shadow of former Red Roses captain Hunter and is now making the skipper's role her own.

"I'm getting on with my business, leading by my actions," she adds. "I've got a great leadership group around me and I can pull on them."

Last season Packer led England to the Six Nations Grand Slam in April, while their WXV1 victory over New Zealand avenged their World Cup final defeat from 2022.

With 99 caps she's expected to achieve her century during the upcoming Six Nations, starting in March.

"The professionalism throughout the home nations in the women's game is getting higher and higher," she added. "How can I make sure I'm putting back-to-back performances in and I'm ticking all the right boxes? How can we get the best version of Marlie Packer?"

She is also expected to lead England in their home World Cup in 2025 but would not be drawn on playing on the British and Irish Lions' first women's tour - a trip to New Zealand in 2027.

"Who knows," she said. "There is a lot of rugby to be played now, but who wouldn't want to play for the Lions."

Packer continues to shine on the domestic stage, having put in 17 tackles last weekend in the league, and is aware that she needs to maintain her own high standards.

Now in her mid-thirties, she has adapted her recovery, admitting to not always "dotting the i's and crossing the t's" earlier in her career.

"Now as an older senior player I've got to make sure I do all of that stuff. Recovery isn't all just about the exercises and stretching. It's the nutrition side of it, and also that switch off from the game.

"I'm lucky enough that I've got Oliver [her son] and he very much gives me that switch off from rugby. I think I've got that balance really right."