Andy Devaney
There are certain days when sport stops being something you watch and becomes something you feel—like a national pulse, a collective “would you look at that?” And on 15th January, Crew Clothing found itself stitched into one of those days as the Red Roses—now officially the world’s number one women’s rugby team—visited Downing Street to celebrate a historic achievement: becoming world champions.
This wasn’t a case of chucking on a blazer and hoping the buttons behaved. As the Official Formalwear Outfitter to the squad, Crew Clothing created bespoke suits for the entire team, built specifically for the occasion and worn throughout what can only be described as a landmark day for the women’s game.
The tailoring was exclusive to the Red Roses, marrying contemporary silhouettes with the sort of timeless British craft that doesn’t shout, but absolutely knows it’s in the room.
Downing Street, of course, has seen plenty over the years—statesmen, crises, cabinet reshuffles, and the occasional awkward photo opportunity. But a group of world champions arriving dressed head-to-toe in Crew Clothing brings a different kind of electricity.
It was a moment that recognised achievement on the world stage while highlighting something larger: women’s rugby is no longer knocking politely at the door. It’s already inside, rearranging the furniture and putting medals on the mantelpiece.
For the Red Roses, the visit was more than ceremonial. It was a public exhale after a journey that has helped redefine what excellence looks like in British sport. And for Crew Clothing, it was a statement of alignment—shared values, shared pride, and shared belief in backing teams that don’t just win, but inspire.
The brand’s connection to British sport isn’t a convenient new fling, either. Founded over three decades ago in Salcombe, Crew Clothing has long championed homegrown athletics, and dressing the Red Roses for such a significant national moment underlines a clear commitment to supporting women’s sport in particular.
This is investment with intention: the sort that says the next generation deserves heroes who look the part and play the part.
Jon Baker, Sponsorship Manager at Crew Clothing, captured the significance of the day—and the pride behind the needlework—saying: “It was an honour to dress the Red Roses for their visit to Downing Street following their incredible victory on the world stage in 2025.
Creating custom suits for the squad to wear throughout such a historic day was a proud moment for Crew, and a powerful way to celebrate both their success and the continued rise of women’s rugby.”
It’s that last line—“the continued rise”—that really lands. Because this isn’t a one-off flourish or a fleeting spotlight. The Red Roses’ appearance at Downing Street signalled a defining moment for the women’s game, the kind that echoes well beyond the pitch.
Crew Clothing was proud to play a part, yes—but the bigger story is the movement itself: the sport, the standards, the momentum, and the unmistakable sense that this era is only just getting started.
And if you want a neat summary of where women’s rugby is right now, you could do worse than this: world champions, walking into No.10, dressed like they belong—because they do.
