England's women's rugby team, the Red Roses, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the home portion of the WXV Global Series, a landmark competition set to run from 2026 through 2028. The selection, overseen by head coach John Mitchell, features a substantial contingent of players who have already tasted World Cup glory – 25 of the squad members have previously lifted the trophy, underscoring the depth of experience that Mitchell is banking on for the upcoming fixtures. Captaining the side is the formidable Megan Jones, whose leadership on and off the field has been a cornerstone of England’s recent successes.
Between the 36 players, the combined tally of international caps reaches an impressive 1,234, reflecting a wealth of knowledge and match‑day composure that the coaching staff hopes will translate into dominant performances on home soil. While the majority of the roster are seasoned internationals, Mitchell has also taken a calculated risk by including three players who have yet to earn their first cap: Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen.
Their inclusion signals a commitment to nurturing emerging talent alongside the established core. The first test of this home leg will see England face off against Australia at the newly‑named CorpAcq Stadium, situated on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September.
This match will serve as a crucial barometer for the squad’s cohesion and readiness ahead of a second encounter a week later, when the Red Roses will host Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter. That fixture carries added significance, as it will be a replay of the 2025 World Cup final, offering both teams a chance to settle scores and reaffirm their status among the world’s elite. Following the Canada clash, the series will culminate in a marquee showdown against New Zealand’s Black Ferns at the iconic Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September.
The venue is expected to draw a crowd exceeding 50,000 spectators, providing a spectacular stage for what promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the sport’s most storied rivals. In a press briefing, Mitchell praised the pre‑season preparations, noting that the team has benefited from an intensive training program that emphasized both skill development and tactical awareness. "It’s been a positive pre‑season in the way we have trained and the exposure we have given to players," he said.
"The girls have worked hard to elevate their connections, making us stronger, and have driven high 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.
This squad is only four weeks old; there is plenty in the tank. This is an exciting period to get after." The WXV Global Series itself marks a historic moment for women’s rugby, being the inaugural edition of a competition that will feature twelve nations locked in a fixed schedule for the 2026‑2028 cycle.
Unlike previous formats, there will be no promotion or relegation, ensuring that the same elite teams compete throughout the three‑year period, thereby fostering rivalries and raising the overall standard of play. After 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. Those games will provide further opportunities to test the squad’s depth and to integrate the uncapped players into the international arena. The full 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 The blend of veteran leadership, World Cup experience, and fresh faces creates a compelling narrative for England’s campaign.
Fans are encouraged to tune in via a Chrome browser for optimal video playback, ensuring they don’t miss any of the action as the Red Roses aim to set a high bar for the inaugural WXV Global Series and reaffirm their position at the pinnacle of women’s rugby.