Red Roses introduce seven new faces for Wales encounter as Millie David earns first cap

The England women's rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have announced a substantial overhaul of their lineup ahead of their third round clash against Wales in the Women’s Six Nations. Seven players will be making their debut or returning to the starting XV, with wing Millie David stepping onto the international stage for the first time. Head coach John Mitchell has had to cope with a significant turnover in the squad, as roughly ten members are unavailable due to a mix of injuries and pregnancy-related absences.

Despite these challenges, the Red Roses have already secured two convincing victories in the tournament, dispatching Ireland 33-12 at Twickenham and overwhelming Scotland 84-7 at Murrayfield. In the back three, David will partner with seasoned centre Ellie Kildunne, who has been shifted back to full‑back.

Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald will occupy the left wing, while Emma Sing has been omitted from the match‑day squad and Jess Breach will sit on the bench. At fly‑half, Holly Aitchison replaces Zoe Harrison, bringing a fresh tactical outlook to the play‑making role. The forward pack also sees several changes. Props Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern will start, as will lock Delaney Burns and back‑rower Marlie Packer.

The bench will feature loosehead prop Kelsey Clifford and tighthead Maud Muir, alongside 19‑year‑old flanker Demelza Short, who earned her first test cap in Edinburgh last week. The centre partnership remains unchanged, with captain Megan Jones and Helena Rowland retaining their positions.

Scrum‑half Lucy Packer continues to hold the number nine jersey. Hooker Amy Cokayne, lock Abi Burton and back‑rowers Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati also keep their starting spots from the previous week. Pregnancy has ruled out Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin‑Davies, while injuries have sidelined Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell, Tatyana Heard and Ales Matthews. Mitchell stressed that the team is not daunted by the volume of changes.

"Last weekend's performance at Murrayfield was special and something the whole squad can be proud of, but we have already moved on from it," he told Sky Sports. "This week we need to be clear about our strengths and the areas where we must improve. Wales tend to over‑commit in the breakdown, which will test us in a different way.

It’s an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we have built so far." He added, "Under Sean Lynn, Wales are playing with greater clarity and enthusiasm, and we know we will have to earn our right to win again. For us, it’s about raising our game – being courageous with our skill sets, building stronger connections, and owning our decisions. I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold‑out Ashton Gate." The announced starting XV reads as follows: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Millie David, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns, 6 Sadia Kabeya, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati. The replacements are 16 Connie Powell, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Demelza Short, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Zoe Harrison and 23 Jess Breach.

England backs coach Emily Scarratt spoke to Sky Sports about what David brings to the side. "She definitely adds a lot of pace. If you’ve followed the Premiership Women’s Rugby over the last couple of seasons, you’ll have seen her tearing up the touchline for Bristol Bears.

That’s exactly what we want from her," Scarratt explained. "She has impressed in training and this is an amazing opportunity for her to debut on home soil." Scarratt also highlighted the depth of talent available to England, crediting the strength of the domestic league and the PWR pathway. "The league provides players with exposure to top‑quality rugby and opponents, which is massive for development.

Our system – from U18s to U21s – is robust, and it has been vital in this tournament, especially given the number of injuries we have faced," she said. "Our depth allows us to keep going despite those setbacks." When asked about England's remarkable record – 35 consecutive test wins and 65 victories out of 66 matches – Scarratt emphasized the team's relentless drive for improvement. "There is no complacency among us.

Our competitive edge and desire to get better are never in question. We constantly push standards and bring through younger players. The changes we see, whether due to pregnancy, retirement or other reasons, are part of a healthy cycle.

We maintain the same culture and mentality, but we make small tweaks to keep the game fresh," she noted. The Red Roses view the upcoming Wales fixture as a chance to test their adaptability and to showcase the new talent that has been integrated into the squad.

With a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh faces, England aims to continue its dominant run in the Six Nations while giving players like Millie David the platform to launch international careers. The match at Ashton Gate promises a sold‑out crowd, and the coaches expect a hard‑fought contest that will further define the evolution of women's rugby in England and across the tournament.