England Names New-Look Squad to Face Ireland in Women's Six Nations Opener

England's rugby team, led by Meg Jones, is set to defend their Guinness Six Nations title against Ireland at Allianz Stadium. The team features seven players who were part of the World Cup final victory over Canada in September. Jones takes over as captain, replacing Zoe Stratford, who is expecting her first child. The squad includes experienced players like Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, and Amy Cokayne, as well as newcomers like 19-year-old Haineala Lutui, who is poised to make her debut. Coach John Mitchell expressed his excitement about the team's return to Allianz Stadium, saying, 'We've all felt the lasting impact of 2025, and that's reflected in the incredible ticket sales for Saturday's match.' With over 75,000 fans expected to attend, Jones acknowledged the team's role as entertainers, stating, 'Our role is to be the entertainers and make sure that we provide a product that people want to come back and watch.' Ireland, led by captain Erin King, will provide a challenging opponent, with players like Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and Béibhinn Parsons set to make an impact. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a strong start to the tournament.