England Names New-Look Squad for Women's Six Nations Opener Against Ireland

England's rugby team, led by Meg Jones, is set to defend their Guinness Six Nations title against Ireland, featuring seven players from the World Cup final victory over Canada. The Red Roses will play their first match as World Champions at Allianz Stadium. Jones replaces former captain Zoe Stratford, who is pregnant, and will continue to play at outside centre. The team includes Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach in the back three, while four forwards who started the World Cup final are also present, including Amy Cokayne, Morwenna Talling, Sadia Kabeya, and Alex Matthews. Hollie Aitchison and Lucy Packer will form the half-backs, with Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison providing cover from the bench. The match is expected to draw a record crowd of over 75,000 fans, and England's head coach, John Mitchell, stated that the team is ready to perform and entertain the fans. Ireland, led by captain Erin King, will feature Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, who is set to reach 50 Test caps, and uncapped players Eilís Cahill and Katie Whelan. England is aiming to win their eighth consecutive Six Nations title, with France being considered their closest challenger.