Red Roses Announce Veteran Squad for Home Leg of WXV Global Series

England’s women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the upcoming home leg of the inaugural WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell has selected a blend of seasoned internationals and a handful of newcomers, ensuring the squad boasts a wealth of experience while also injecting fresh talent into the mix.

Captained by the formidable Megan Jones, the group collectively holds an impressive 1,234 caps across all members, a testament to the depth of international exposure within the team. Among the 36, three players—Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen—have yet to earn their first senior cap, offering them a valuable opportunity to break into the senior set‑up during this high‑profile series. The first match of the home leg will see England face off against Australia at the newly named CorpAcq Stadium on the outskirts of Manchester on Saturday, 12 September. This fixture will be a crucial early test, allowing Mitchell’s side to gauge their form against a strong Southern Hemisphere opponent.

A week later, the Red Roses will host Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter, recreating the dramatic showdown from the 2025 World Cup final where England emerged victorious. The scheduling of these two back‑to‑back games provides a narrative arc for fans, moving from a clash with the Wallaroos to a rematch with the Canadian women’s team that will undoubtedly stir memories of the recent World Cup triumph.

Following the England‑Canada encounter, the series will culminate with a marquee showdown against the world‑favourite New Zealand Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 26 September. That venue is set to accommodate more than 50,000 spectators, promising a spectacular atmosphere and a true test of the Red Roses’ mettle against the reigning powerhouses of women’s rugby.

Coach Mitchell commented on the squad’s preparation, saying, “We’ve enjoyed a very positive pre‑season, both in terms of the training structures we’ve put in place and the exposure we’ve given to our players. The girls have worked tirelessly to tighten the bonds between them, which has made us stronger as a unit and has driven us to maintain high standards across the board.” He added, “Our training has consistently been above the level of match play, with a focus on intensity and tactical awareness.

Now we have the chance to excite not only ourselves but also the whole country with the way we approach rugby in three Test matches spread across the nation.” Mitchell also highlighted the youth of the squad, noting that it is only four weeks old and still has considerable depth to draw upon. “There’s plenty in the tank,” he said, emphasizing that the team is entering a promising phase of development and competition. The 2026 season marks the launch of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to bring together the world’s top twelve women’s rugby nations in a fixed format that will run through the 2026‑2028 cycle.

Unlike previous structures, this edition does not feature promotion or relegation, meaning the participating nations are locked in for the three‑year period, providing stability and the chance to build long‑term rivalries. Beyond the home leg, the Red Roses will travel to North America in October, where they will face Canada once again and then take on the United States.

These overseas fixtures will round out the series for England and offer additional opportunities to test the squad against varied playing styles. The squad list is split into forwards and backs, reflecting the traditional structure of a rugby union team. The forwards include: Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Delaney Burns, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Bryony Field, Haidee Head, Lilli Ives Campion, Hayley Jones, Sadia Kabeya, Haineala Lutui, Alex Matthews, Sophie McQueen, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Demelza Short, and Morwenna Talling. The backline features: Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Millie David, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Flo Robinson, Helena Rowland, Emma Sing, Mia Venner, and Bo Westcombe‑Evans.

Each of these players brings a unique skill set to the team, from the powerful scrummaging of the front‑row forwards to the creative flair of the backs. The inclusion of uncapped talents such as Field, Jones and McQueen signals Mitchell’s commitment to nurturing the next generation while still relying on the proven experience of veterans. Fans are encouraged to watch the matches using the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience, ensuring high‑quality streaming and minimal technical issues.

This recommendation underscores the importance of delivering a seamless viewing experience for a growing global audience eager to follow women’s rugby at its highest level. Overall, the Red Roses enter this pivotal home leg with a balanced mix of experience, youthful ambition, and a clear strategic vision from the coaching staff.

The upcoming fixtures against Australia, Canada, and New Zealand promise to be thrilling showcases of skill, determination, and the evolving landscape of women’s rugby on the world stage.