England’s women’s rugby side, 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 blended experience with fresh talent, selecting 25 players who were part of the World Cup‑winning campaign. Captained by the formidable Megan Jones, the group collectively boasts an impressive 1,234 international caps, underscoring the depth of experience that will be on display.
Among the 36, three athletes have yet to earn a senior cap: Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen. Their inclusion signals Mitchell’s belief in their potential and the desire to integrate new blood ahead of the crucial fixtures.
The first test of the home leg will see England face Australia at the newly‑named CorpAcq Stadium, located on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September. This clash will be a stern early‑season test, pitting the Red Roses against a traditionally physical Australian side. A week later, the Roses will meet Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter, recreating the dramatic showdown of the 2025 World Cup final.
That match will offer an opportunity for England to fine‑tune their game plan against a familiar opponent in a venue that still holds the echoes of that historic final. Fans are encouraged to view the live streams using the Chrome browser, which provides the most reliable video player experience for the series. The final fixture of the home leg pits England against the world’s most formidable opponent, New Zealand, at the iconic Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September. The match is expected to draw a crowd exceeding 50,000 spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere that will test the Roses’ composure and skill under pressure.
Coach Mitchell reflected on the preparation phase, stating, “We have enjoyed a productive pre‑season, combining rigorous training sessions with ample exposure for our players. The squad has worked tirelessly to strengthen their on‑field connections, raising our collective standards.
Our training intensity has been above the level of match play, and now we have a chance to showcase that work across three test matches in front of our home fans.” He added, “This group has only been together for four weeks, yet there is still plenty of capacity left in the tank. It is an exciting period for us to build momentum and excitement for the sport across the country.” The 2026 season marks the debut of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to feature the top twelve women’s rugby nations over a three‑year cycle (2026‑2028).
Unlike previous formats, the series will not include promotion or relegation, meaning the same twelve teams will contest the tournament throughout the cycle, providing stability and long‑term planning opportunities for each nation. Following the home leg, the Red Roses will travel to North America for a two‑match tour, taking on Canada and the United States in October as part of the same series. Those fixtures will give the squad further exposure to differing playing styles and will be crucial for building cohesion ahead of the later stages of the competition. The squad list is split into forwards and backs, reflecting the traditional structure of a rugby union team.
The forwards, who will dominate set‑pieces and provide the platform for attacking play, include: - Sarah Bern - Hannah Botterman - Delaney Burns - Abi Burton - May Campbell - Mackenzie Carson - Kelsey Clifford - Amy Cokayne - Maddie Feaunati - Bryony Field (uncapped) - Haidee Head - Lilli Ives‑Campion - Hayley Jones (uncapped) - Sadia Kabeya - Haineala Lutui - Alex Matthews - Sophie McQueen (uncapped) - Maud Muir - Marlie Packer - Demelza Short - Morwenna Talling The backline, responsible for exploiting space and executing the team’s attacking strategies, comprises: - Holly Aitchison - Jess Breach - Millie David - Zoe Harrison - Tatyana Heard - Natasha Hunt - Megan Jones (captain) - Ellie Kildunne - Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald - Lucy Packer - Flo Robinson - Helena Rowland - Emma Sing - Mia Venner - Bo Westcombe‑Evans Each player brings a unique skill set, from powerful ball‑carrying and scrum mastery among the forwards to swift footwork and creative playmaking in the backs. The blend of seasoned internationals and promising newcomers is designed to give England a tactical edge while also building depth for future campaigns. Beyond the on‑field considerations, the series offers a platform to grow women’s rugby in England and globally.
By hosting high‑profile matches at venues like CorpAcq Stadium and Allianz Stadium, the Red Roses aim to attract new fans, inspire young athletes, and demonstrate the sport’s growing professionalism. The anticipated attendance of over 50,000 for the New Zealand clash highlights the rising popularity and commercial viability of women’s rugby. In summary, the Red Roses’ 36‑player squad for the home leg of the WXV Global Series combines a wealth of experience, fresh talent, and a clear strategic vision from coach John Mitchell. With three key test matches scheduled against Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the team will have ample opportunity to showcase their skill, resilience, and the exciting brand of rugby that has made England a powerhouse on the world stage.
The upcoming fixtures promise to deliver high‑intensity action for supporters and set the tone for the rest of the inaugural WXV Global Series.