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 has selected a blend of proven internationals and a handful of newcomers, with a total of 25 World Cup‑winning athletes making the cut.
Captained by the dynamic Megan Jones, the squad brings together a staggering 1,234 caps across its members, underscoring the depth of experience that will be on display. Among the names are three players who have yet to earn their first senior cap: Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen, each of whom has impressed in domestic competition and earned a place in this elite group. The first fixture of the home leg will see England face Australia at the newly‑renamed CorpAcq Stadium, situated on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September.
This clash will be a test of the Red Roses’ preparation and will set the tone for the rest of the series. A week later, on 19 September, the team will meet Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter, recreating the dramatic showdown from the 2025 World Cup final.
That encounter will offer a chance for redemption and a chance to solidify the squad’s cohesion ahead of the final home match. The concluding game of the home segment pits England against their historic rivals, New Zealand, at the iconic Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September. The venue is expected to host more than 50,000 fans, creating a charged atmosphere that will test the players’ mettle and showcase the growth of women’s rugby in the United Kingdom.
Mitchell praised the pre‑season preparations, noting that the intensity and quality of training have elevated the group’s collective performance. "It’s been a positive pre‑season in the way we have trained and the exposure we have given to players.
The girls have worked hard to elevate their connections, making us stronger, and have driven high standards," he said. He added that the team has been training at a level above the upcoming matches, with a focus on intensity and tactical nuance. "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 explained. The coach also emphasized that the squad is still in its infancy, having been assembled just four weeks ago.
"This squad is only four weeks old; there is plenty in the tank. This is an exciting period to get after," he remarked, hinting at further development and depth that could be tapped as the series progresses.
The 2026 season marks the launch of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to provide regular, high‑quality international fixtures for the twelve top women’s rugby nations. The format for the 2026‑2028 cycle locks in these twelve teams with no promotion or relegation, ensuring stability and long‑term planning for each union. Following the home leg, the Red Roses will travel to North America in October for a two‑match tour, taking on Canada and the United States as part of the same series. Those games will test the squad’s adaptability to different conditions and styles of play, further contributing to the development of the team ahead of future World Cups.
Below is the full list of forwards and backs selected for the home leg, reflecting a balance of power, skill, and versatility. 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 inclusion of both seasoned campaigners and fresh faces signals a strategic approach by Mitchell: maintain a solid core while injecting new talent to ensure the team remains competitive and adaptable. The three uncapped players have been identified as future pillars, and their integration into the senior environment will be closely monitored.
Fans are encouraged to watch the matches using a Chrome browser for optimal video playback, ensuring the best possible viewing experience. The series not only offers a showcase of elite rugby but also serves as a platform to inspire the next generation of female athletes across the globe.
With a packed schedule, high‑profile venues, and a squad brimming with experience and ambition, the Red Roses are poised to make a compelling statement on home soil during this historic inaugural WXV Global Series.