The Red Roses, England's women’s rugby union team, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the upcoming home leg of the inaugural WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell selected a group that blends a wealth of experience with a handful of fresh faces, ensuring the side remains competitive while also nurturing emerging talent.
Among the 36 athletes, 25 have already tasted World Cup glory, underscoring the depth of talent and the winning pedigree that Mitchell hopes to translate into success on home soil. Captaining the side is the formidable Megan Jones, whose leadership both on and off the pitch has been instrumental in guiding the team through a demanding pre‑season. The collective experience of the squad is staggering: when you add together each player’s international appearances, the total reaches an impressive 1,234 caps.
This figure not only reflects individual longevity but also signals the level of cohesion and understanding that can be expected when these players take the field together. In addition to the veterans, Mitchell has taken a calculated risk by including three players who have yet to earn a senior cap: Bryony Field, Hayley Jones, and Sophie McQueen. Their inclusion signals a clear intent to blend experience with potential, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to test new talent in a high‑stakes environment while also providing the newcomers with invaluable exposure to top‑level competition.
The first fixture of the home leg will see England face off against Australia at CorpAcq Stadium, located on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September. This clash promises to be a showcase of physicality and skill, pitting the Red Roses against a Southern Hemisphere side known for its aggressive style of play. A week later, the team will travel to Sandy Park in Exeter for a rematch with Canada, a game that carries added significance as it mirrors the showdown from the 2025 World Cup final.
The familiarity of that encounter adds a layer of intrigue, as both sides will be looking to either avenge past results or reaffirm their dominance. Fans are encouraged to view the matches using the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible video player for streaming the action.
This technical note reflects the organizers’ commitment to delivering a smooth viewing experience for a global audience. The final match of the home series is set to be a marquee event: England will take on New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September.
Anticipation is high for this encounter, not only because the All Blacks women are one of the sport’s most formidable opponents, but also because the venue is expected to hold more than 50,000 spectators. The atmosphere is likely to be electric, providing a fitting climax to the home leg and a perfect platform for the Red Roses to demonstrate the progress made during the pre‑season.
Mitchell’s comments after the squad announcement highlight the positive momentum the team has built. He praised the pre‑season training regime, noting that the intensity and quality of the sessions have elevated the players’ connections and raised overall standards. "We have trained above the game level with great intensity and now we have an opportunity to excite ourselves, and the country, by the way we play rugby in three Test matches across the country," Mitchell said.
He also emphasized that the squad is still in its infancy, having been together for only four weeks, and that there is considerable depth and resilience to draw upon as the series progresses. The 2026 season marks the debut of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to bring together the world’s top twelve women’s rugby nations on a fixed three‑year cycle (2026‑2028).
Unlike traditional league formats, this edition will not feature promotion or relegation, ensuring that the same elite nations compete throughout the cycle and fostering long‑term rivalries and development pathways. Beyond the home leg, the Red Roses have a demanding travel itinerary. In October, they will embark on a tour of North America, playing test matches against Canada and the United States as part of the series. These fixtures will test the squad’s adaptability and provide valuable experience against differing playing styles.
The squad list is as follows: Forwards: - 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 Backs: - 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 This blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers positions England to not only compete fiercely in the WXV Global Series but also to lay a solid foundation for future success. The upcoming fixtures will be a true test of the squad’s depth, tactical flexibility, and the ability to perform under the pressure of large crowds and high‑stakes matches. The Red Roses are poised to showcase why they remain one of the premier forces in women’s rugby worldwide.