The Red Roses have announced their lineup for the upcoming clash against Australia on Saturday, marking the opening fixture of the home leg of the WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell has introduced five alterations to the side that previously faced France in May, a match that saw England clinch their fifth consecutive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam. Two World Cup champions, centre Tatyana Heard and scrum-half Natasha Hunt, have recovered from injuries and are back in contention, reclaiming their spots in the XV. Their return adds a wealth of experience and proven skill to the backline, bolstering the team’s attacking options.
Fly‑half Holly Aitchison has been handed the starting role, earning her 50th cap for England in this game. Hooker May Campbell also makes the starting XV, while the back three is composed of wing Mia Venner alongside Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne, forming a dynamic and versatile attacking trio. Former regulars Hannah Botterman, who missed the entire Six Nations campaign, and Morwenna Talling are now fit and have been named among the bench, providing depth and fresh impetus off the bench. Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford has been ruled out of the whole WXV series due to a hamstring problem.
In her stead, Liz Crake has been called up to the squad, ensuring the front‑row retains its strength and stability. The match will be staged at CorpAcq Stadium, the home ground of the Gallagher Premiership side Sale Sharks. Mitchell, who spent two periods with Sale, reflected on the venue: "I have very fond memories of the north‑west from my time with Sale Sharks, so it’s fantastic to bring our game to this part of the country.
Playing in different regions helps us connect with local communities and keeps the sport thriving. Visibility is vital, but being physically present in a community makes the connection even stronger." He continued, "Connection is a crucial element of life, especially in sport. The girls have put in a lot of work during pre‑season to strengthen their bond, and that cohesion will translate into a stronger performance on the field. We’re eager to kick off our WXV Global Series campaign and aim to deliver an exciting, entertaining spectacle for fans." The 2026 season marks the inaugural edition of the WXV Global Series, featuring twelve nations locked in for the 2026‑2028 cycle with no promotion or relegation system in place.
After the Australia test, England will travel to face Canada in a repeat of their 2025 World Cup final showdown at Sandy Park in Exeter on 19 September. A week later, on 26 September, the Red Roses will take on New Zealand at Allianz Stadium. Beyond the September fixtures, the Red Roses have a busy October schedule, touring Canada and the United States as part of the series, offering further opportunities to test their squad against top‑tier opposition and to promote the women's game internationally. The starting XV for the Australia match is as follows: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Mia Venner, 13 Megan Jones (captain), 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Natasha Hunt; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 May Campbell, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Delaney Burns, 5 Lilli Ives‑Campion, 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Maddie Feaunati.
The bench includes 16 Bryony Field, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Morwenna Talling, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Zoe Harrison, and 23 Helena Rowland. This refreshed squad blends seasoned veterans with emerging talent, aiming to showcase a blend of power, skill, and tactical awareness.
The inclusion of returning players like Heard and Hunt not only restores the team's core experience but also signals a strategic intent to field a side capable of adapting to the fast‑paced, physically demanding style that Australian rugby often presents. Coach Mitchell’s selections reflect a balanced approach: a solid forward pack anchored by experienced props and a dynamic backline featuring players who have demonstrated the ability to break defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.
The emphasis on community engagement, highlighted by the choice of venue and Mitchell’s comments, underscores England Rugby’s broader mission to grow the women's game beyond traditional strongholds, fostering a deeper connection with fans across the country. As the Red Roses step onto the field at CorpAcq Stadium, they do so with a clear objective: to start the WXV Global Series on a high note, to entertain supporters, and to lay the groundwork for a successful campaign that could see them retain their status as one of the world’s premier women’s rugby nations. The blend of experience, fresh talent, and a renewed sense of purpose promises an exciting contest against a formidable Australian side, setting the tone for the challenges that lie ahead in the series.