Helena Rowland is a professional rugby player for England Women and Loughborough Lightning, widely recognised for her composure, versatility and impact on the international stage. Having played an integral role in England’s Rugby World Cup victory in 2025, Helena has established herself as a defining figure in the modern women’s game. Today, she is hired as a motivational speaker by organisations seeking an authentic voice on resilience, confidence and high performance in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Helena’s journey began at just six years old when she first discovered her love for rugby at Aylesbury RFC. She continued her development at Tring and Bicester RFC, steadily refining her skills and competitive mindset. Her dedication paid off when she helped Saracens secure the Tyrells Premiership title in 2018, marking her arrival in elite domestic rugby. She later joined Loughborough Lightning while studying for a BSc in Sports Science at Loughborough University, balancing academic commitment with professional ambition. Her England debut followed in 2020, when she celebrated a Six Nations Grand Slam and competed in the Sevens World Series, contributing to Great Britain’s qualification for the Tokyo Olympics. From there, her international career accelerated, including Olympic competition, multiple Six Nations titles and progression into a full-time Red Roses contract.
Helena’s medal record continued to grow with a Rugby World Cup silver medal, appointment as England Vice Captain and victory at the WXV Championships, before culminating in the 2025 Rugby World Cup triumph. Known as ‘Miss Versatility’ by England Women’s coach John Mitchell, Helena has excelled at fullback, fly half and centre, proving her tactical intelligence and adaptability. Her performances and leadership have been widely covered, including features in The Times, highlighting her influence within the Red Roses setup.
As a speaker, Helena translates elite sport into practical lessons for business, education and leadership audiences. She speaks candidly about performing under extreme pressure, cultivating a winning mindset and building confidence in spaces where representation has historically been limited. Drawing on first-hand experience of international competition, team culture and personal setbacks, Helena delivers grounded, insightful keynotes that resonate long after the event, particularly for organisations championing inclusion, performance and International Women’s Day initiatives.
