England’s women’s rugby team, popularly known as the Red Roses, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the upcoming home leg of the WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell selected a blend of experience and fresh talent, ensuring that 25 of the squad members are World Cup champions, underscoring the depth of pedigree within the group. The side will be captained by the formidable Megan Jones, whose leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in shaping the team’s culture. Collectively, the players bring an astonishing 1,234 international caps to the squad, a testament to the wealth of experience they possess.
In addition to the seasoned veterans, Mitchell has taken a calculated risk by introducing three uncapped players—Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen—who have impressed during training camps and domestic competition. The first fixture of the home leg will see England face off against Australia at the newly‑renovated CorpAcq Stadium on the outskirts of Manchester on Saturday, 12 September. This match will serve as a crucial warm‑up before the squad travels to Sandy Park in Exeter a week later for a high‑stakes encounter with Canada, a repeat of the 2025 World Cup final that saw the Red Roses emerge victorious. The scheduling of these two tests provides a balanced mix of opposition, allowing the coaching staff to assess the squad’s adaptability against both Southern‑Hemisphere and North‑American styles of play.
Fans are encouraged to view the live broadcast using the Chrome browser, as the platform offers an optimized video player that ensures smoother streaming and better accessibility features. This technical recommendation reflects the organizers’ commitment to delivering a high‑quality viewing experience for a global audience. The climax of the home leg will be a marquee showdown against New Zealand’s Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 26 September. Anticipation is high, with the venue expected to host more than 50,000 spectators eager to witness what promises to be a classic rivalry.
The Red Roses view this encounter not only as a chance to test their mettle against the world’s top side but also as an opportunity to showcase the evolution of English women’s rugby on a grand stage. In a post‑selection interview, Mitchell praised the pre‑season period, highlighting the intensity of the training sessions and the strategic exposure given to the players. “We have worked tirelessly to raise our standards and strengthen the connections within the group,” he said. “The intensity of our training has been above match level, and now we have the chance to excite both ourselves and the nation with the brand of rugby we will display across three test matches on home soil.” Mitchell also emphasized that the squad is still in its infancy, having been assembled only four weeks ago.
“There is still a lot of fuel in the tank,” he added. “This is an exhilarating phase for the program, and we are eager to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.” The 2026 season marks the inaugural edition of the WXV Global Series, a landmark competition that will run from 2026 to 2028.
Twelve nations have been locked in for the entire cycle, meaning there will be no promotion or relegation during this period—a decision aimed at providing stability and fostering long‑term development for the participating unions. Following the home leg, the Red Roses will embark on an overseas tour in October, taking on Canada and the United States as part of the series itinerary. These matches will not only test the squad’s resilience in different environments but also serve as vital preparation for the next phase of the competition. Below is the full list of players named to the squad, divided by position: 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 carefully balanced roster blends proven World Cup winners with emerging talent, offering a dynamic mix of power, skill, and tactical versatility.
As the Red Roses prepare to defend their reputation on home turf, the rugby world will be watching closely to see how this new generation of players performs under the guidance of John Mitchell and the leadership of Megan Jones. The upcoming fixtures promise to deliver thrilling rugby, showcase the growth of the women’s game in England, and set the tone for the rest of the WXV Global Series.