Helena Rowland – World Class Rugby Intelligence
Helena Rowland is one of the most versatile and tactically astute players in international rugby. Her ability to perform at the highest level, regardless of position, was a defining factor in England lifting the Rugby World Cup in 2025. Whether operating at fullback, flyhalf or centre, Helena is known for controlling the tempo of a game, executing precise kicks for territory and unlocking defences through her passing and decision-making. This adaptability has made her a cornerstone of England’s world-class back line and a player widely regarded as one to watch.
A Meteoric Rise on the Global Stage
Helena’s international career has developed at remarkable speed. She made her England debut in November 2020 and has remained unbeaten in an England shirt since. Alongside her Fifteens career, she has competed extensively in Sevens rugby, spending two seasons on the Sevens World Series before securing a full-time professional contract with the Red Roses in 2021.
As an Olympian, Helena represented Team GB at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, where the squad finished fourth after qualifying through the World Series. She has competed in two Rugby World Cups, winning gold in 2025 and silver in 2022, and has collected an extraordinary six Six Nations Grand Slam titles across her career.
Leadership, Consistency and Winning Culture
Helena’s achievements reflect sustained excellence rather than isolated success. She has been part of England sides that dominated the Six Nations, winning Grand Slams in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, alongside WXV Championship success in 2024. Her role as England Vice-Captain highlights her leadership qualities and the trust placed in her within a high-performance environment.
At domestic level, Helena won the Premiership title with Saracens in 2017 before moving to Loughborough Lightning, where she is now an integral part of the club’s set-up in Premiership 15s. Alongside her professional career, she is studying for a degree in Sport Science at Loughborough University, further strengthening her understanding of performance, preparation and recovery.
From Grassroots to the World Stage
Helena began her rugby journey at just six years old with Aylesbury RFC, later playing for Tring and Bicester RFC. These early experiences across different clubs and environments shaped her grounded approach and strong communication skills. Her progression from grassroots rugby to Olympic Games and World Cup finals provides a compelling narrative around commitment, learning and long-term development.
Helena Rowland as a Speaker
Beyond the pitch, Helena Rowland is an accomplished and confident speaker, experienced in delivering to a wide range of audiences. She speaks with authenticity about understanding pressure, the psychology of winning and performing when expectations are highest. Drawing from her experiences in a traditionally male-dominated environment, she also addresses challenging perceptions, building confidence and finding your voice within elite teams.
Helena connects the lessons of international sport to business, leadership and personal development, offering audiences practical insight grounded in lived experience rather than theory.
Key achievements include:
Rugby World Cup winner (2025)
Rugby World Cup silver medallist (2022)
Six Nations Grand Slam winner (six times between 2021–2025)
WXV Champion (2024)
England Vice-Captain
Olympian with Team GB at the Tokyo Games
Premiership 15s title winner with Saracens
Professional Red Roses player and Loughborough Lightning standout
Book Helena Rowland for Your Event
Book Helena Rowland for your event to gain insight from one of rugby’s most intelligent performers. Her story of adaptability, sustained success and mental resilience resonates far beyond sport, making her an outstanding choice for conferences, leadership events and high-performance audiences.