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Wow. What A Year. I can’t help but feel a little melancholy with the drama, anticipation and excitement we had across the last 12 months, following England as they boldly climb towards their goal of being the best Rugby Nation in the World. From seeing the likes of Henry Pollock and Max Ojomah make their home England Test debuts, to a successful away tour to Argentina, it’s fair to say England fans will have a different list to mine for an almost perfect 2025. No, there wasn't a Six Nations Title, but there was an unbelievable unbeaten run across the calendar year, with some exciting rugby to witness.
Here’s my top 5 Moments for the England Rugby Team in 2025.
1. Historic Autumn Nations Win vs New Zealand
England’s men produced one of their most celebrated performances of 2025 by beating the All Blacks 33–19 at Twickenham, which was their first home win over New Zealand since 2012 and only the third of the century.
Trailing early, the Red Roses-cape-colours rebounded through clinical playmakers like George Ford orchestrating pivotal drop goals and penalties, Sam Underhill, Fraser Dingwall and Tom Roebuck touching down to seal a memorable autumn triumph.
The victory capped a double-figure Test winning streak and reinforced England’s rise among the game’s elite this year. Redemption Arc.
2. Eleven-Match Winning Streak & Consistency Across the Calendar
Across 2025, England’s men amassed a remarkable 11-game unbeaten run through Six Nations, summer Tests, and autumn internationals, reflecting impressive squad depth and resilience in tight contests. This consistency under head coach Steve Borthwick not only boosted confidence but also saw England climb toward the top tier of world rankings by year’s end.
3. Six Nations Highs & Competitive Grit
In the 2025 Six Nations, England delivered spirited performances, including a narrow bonus-point win over France that highlighted their attacking ambition and late-game composure. While a clean sweep eluded them, the team’s competitiveness typified a side building momentum heading into future global campaigns. We won’t be forgetting Elliot Daly’s last minute try vs France, with the attendance louder than a Boeing 747 down the road at Heathrow Airport. England had lift off.
4. Autumn International Victories Over Southern Hemisphere Rivals
Beyond the All Blacks, England impressed in the autumn schedule with convincing wins, such as 25–7 over Australia, a strong 38–18 victory against Fiji, and a tense finish vs Argentina with a 27-23 home victory. This showcased the effectiveness of the “bomb squad” bench strategy and try-scoring breadth across the squad. These performances underlined England’s strength across diverse Test conditions. Bring On The Springboks.
5. Emerging Generation & Squad Evolution
2025 saw England blood exciting new talent who contributed big moments throughout the year, as well as seasoned leaders marshalling the pack. Players like Maro Itoje provided leadership, while breakthrough performers added depth and flair at key moments, which proved to be a vital part of England’s forward trajectory. Wonder kids Galore.
Not To Forget…
While the men enjoyed a memorable season, England’s Red Roses achieved historic success by winning the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on home soil at Twickenham, defeating Canada 33–13 in front of a record crowd of 81,885. This third world title ended an 11-year drought and set new benchmarks for women’s sport attendances and viewership in England.
British & Irish Lions Tour 2025
The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia was another major landmark for English rugby fans. While not exclusively an England XI, the Lions — assembled from the best of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales — featured key English internationals and provided a rare mid-cycle spectacle, including warm-up dominance (e.g., a 48–0 win over an AUNZ XV) and a compelling Test series against the Wallabies that fans will reflect on for years.
Standout Players of 2025
Ben Earl being an emergent and ever present contributor throughout the squad added grit and fresh impetus across the season. Mr Reliable
Maro Itoje showcased his inspirational presence and one of the world’s premier forwards. An Icon of World Rugby.
Tommy Freeman has evolved into a consistent try-scorer on big stage, whilst Steve Borthwick hasn't found his best position, the winger department is back to it’s very best.
George Ford was instrumental in big wins against Argentina, home and away, whilst demonstrating resilience with tactical kicking, leadership and composed game management. Redemption Artist.
2025 will be remembered as a landmark year for English rugby, with the men delivering historic Test wins and consistency, the women capturing world glory, and the Lions tour adding iconic rugby theatre to a packed international calendar. 2026, we’re ready for the ups and downs.