The Red Roses, England's women’s rugby union team, have unveiled a 36‑player roster for the home leg of the inaugural WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell selected a blend of seasoned internationals and a handful of newcomers, aiming to field a side that balances experience with fresh talent. The squad features 25 players who were part of the World Cup‑winning campaign, underscoring the depth of talent available to the national side.
Captaining the side is veteran Megan Jones, whose leadership on and off the field has been a cornerstone of England’s recent successes. Between the 36 members, the collective tally of international caps exceeds 1,200, reflecting a wealth of experience at the highest level of women’s rugby. In addition to the seasoned campaigners, three uncapped players—Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen—have earned their first call‑up, signalling Mitchell’s willingness to inject new blood into the team.
The first fixture of the home leg will see England take on Australia at the newly named CorpAcq Stadium, situated on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September. This match will serve as a crucial warm‑up, allowing the squad to test combinations and refine strategies ahead of the more high‑profile games to follow. A week later, on 19 September, the Red Roses will travel to Sandy Park in Exeter to face Canada.
That encounter is particularly significant as it mirrors the 2025 World Cup final, offering both teams a chance to settle scores and gauge each other’s form ahead of the global series. Fans are encouraged to view the match broadcasts using the Chrome browser, which provides a more accessible video player and ensures optimal streaming quality. The series will culminate in a marquee showdown against New Zealand at the iconic Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September. The fixture is expected to draw more than 50,000 spectators, creating a festival atmosphere that showcases the growing popularity of women’s rugby in England and worldwide.
Coach Mitchell commented on the squad’s preparation, saying, "We've had a very positive pre‑season in terms of training intensity and the exposure we’ve given to our players. The girls have worked tirelessly to improve their connections on the field, which has made us a stronger unit and raised our standards across the board." He added, "Our training has been above the level of match play, with great intensity, and now we have the chance to excite ourselves and the nation with the way we play rugby across three test matches on home soil." Mitchell also highlighted the squad’s youth, noting that the group is only four weeks old and still has considerable potential to develop: "There is plenty left in the tank. This is an exciting period to get after and we are eager to see how the team evolves as we move through the series." The 2026 season marks the debut of the WXV Global Series, a competition that will run from 2026 to 2028 with twelve participating nations locked in for the entire cycle, meaning there will be no promotion or relegation during this period. Beyond the home leg, the Red Roses will continue their campaign overseas, touring Canada and the United States in October as part of the series schedule.
These matches will provide additional opportunities for the squad to test themselves against top‑tier opposition and to fine‑tune their game plan ahead of the later stages of the tournament. The forward pack named for the home leg is a formidable mix of power and agility. It includes seasoned campaigners such as Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Delaney Burns, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, and Maddie Feaunati.
The three uncapped forwards—Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen—will be looking to make an immediate impact. Additional forwards include Haidee Head, Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Haineala Lutui, Alex Matthews, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Demelza Short and Morwenna Talling, each bringing a unique blend of experience and skill to the set‑piece and breakdown.
In the backs, England boasts a versatile and dynamic group. Veteran full‑back Holly Aitchison and outside backs Jess Breach and Millie David provide attacking firepower, while play‑makers Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard and Natasha Hunt add creativity and tactical acumen. Captain Megan Jones leads from the centre, supported by Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Flo Robinson, Helena Rowland, Emma Sing, Mia Venner and Bo Westcombe‑Evans. This backline combines speed, vision, and defensive solidity, offering Mitchell a range of options to adapt to different opposition styles.
Overall, the squad selection reflects a clear vision from the coaching staff: to blend proven winners with emerging talent, maintain a high standard of play, and deliver an entertaining brand of rugby that will captivate fans across the country. With a packed schedule, high‑stakes matches, and a supportive home crowd, the Red Roses are poised to make a strong statement in the inaugural WXV Global Series and set the tone for the next three years of elite women’s international rugby.