Red Roses Strengthen Squad for Australia Encounter with Returning Injured Players

The Red Roses have announced their starting lineup for the upcoming home leg of the WXV Global Series, where they will take on Australia on Saturday. Head coach John Mitchell has opted to make five alterations to the team that earned England a historic fifth consecutive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in May, when they defeated France.

Two of the most notable inclusions are World Cup champions Tatyana Heard, who operates in the centre, and scrum‑half Natasha Hunt. Both players have recovered from injuries and are back in contention, reclaiming their spots in the XV.

Their return adds a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to a side that is already brimming with talent. The backline also sees the introduction of fly‑half Holly Aitchison, who will celebrate her 50th cap for England in this fixture. At hooker, May Campbell has been selected, while the wing positions are filled by the dynamic trio of Mia Venner, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne, giving England a potent attacking edge on the flanks. In addition, former Six Nations regular Hannah Botterman, who missed the entire tournament due to injury, and Morwenna Talling have been cleared to play and are listed among the bench.

Unfortunately, Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford has been ruled out of the entire WXV campaign after suffering a hamstring injury. To fill the void, Liz Crake has been called up to the squad, providing additional depth in the front row. The match against the Wallaroos will be staged at CorpAcq Stadium, the home ground of the Gallagher Premiership side Sale Sharks. Mitchell, who enjoyed two spells with Sale during his coaching career, expressed his enthusiasm for the venue: "I have very fond memories of the north west from my time with Sale Sharks, so it’s awesome to be able to take our game to this part of the country." He went on to explain the broader strategy behind playing in different regions: "Playing in a different part of the country allows us to be present in the community and keeps the game healthy.

You’ve not only got to be visible, but if you can actually be close to your community, I think that’s even better. Connection is such an important part of life, but particularly in sport.

The girls have worked hard in pre‑season to deepen their bond and that will make us stronger on the field. We’re excited to get our WXV Global Series under way and aim to excite and entertain." The 2026 season marks the inaugural edition of the WXV Global Series, a three‑year competition that will feature twelve nations locked in for the 2026‑2028 cycle, with no promotion or relegation. England’s schedule continues with a clash against Canada on September 19 at Sandy Park in Exeter – a repeat of the 2025 World Cup final – before they travel to face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on September 26. Later in the year, the Red Roses will embark on a tour of Canada and the United States as part of the series in October.

Below is the full matchday squad as announced by the RFU: Starting XV: 1. Mackenzie Carson (prop) 2. May Campbell (hooker) 3. Sarah Bern (prop) 4.

Delaney Burns (lock) 5. Lilli Ives Campion (lock) 6.

Abi Burton (flanker) 7. Sadia Kabeya (flanker) 8.

Maddie Feaunati (number eight) 9. Natasha Hunt (scrum‑half) 10.

Holly Aitchison (fly‑half) 11. Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald (wing) 12.

Tatyana Heard (centre) 13. Megan Jones (captain, centre) 14. Mia Venner (wing) 15. Ellie Kildunne (full‑back) Replacements: 16.

Bryony Field 17. Hannah Botterman 18.

Maud Muir 19. Morwenna Talling 20. Marlie Packer 21. Lucy Packer 22.

Zoe Harrison 23. Helena Rowland The inclusion of seasoned campaigners such as Heard and Hunt, alongside emerging talents like Aitchison and Venner, underscores Mitchell’s intent to blend experience with youthful vigor. The squad’s balance of power forwards, mobile back‑row players and a versatile backline should give England a tactical edge against a strong Australian side that will be eager to test the Red Roses on home soil. Beyond the on‑field considerations, the match serves a larger purpose for the growth of women’s rugby in England.

By staging the game in the north‑west, the RFU hopes to inspire a new generation of players and supporters, reinforcing the sport’s presence outside the traditional heartlands of London and the south. Mitchell’s comments about community connection reflect a strategic push to embed the women’s game within local clubs, schools and grassroots initiatives, ensuring that the excitement generated on the pitch translates into lasting participation and fan engagement. As the WXV Global Series unfolds, England will aim to maintain its dominance on the world stage, building on the momentum of the Six Nations Grand Slam and the World Cup triumph. The blend of returning veterans, fresh caps and strategic squad rotation will be crucial as the Red Roses navigate a demanding schedule that includes high‑profile fixtures against Canada, New Zealand and the touring North American teams.

Fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter at CorpAcq Stadium, where the Red Roses will showcase their skill, resilience and ambition to cement their status as one of the premier forces in women’s rugby worldwide.