England’s women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the home portion of the inaugural WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell selected a group that blends a wealth of experience with a handful of fresh faces, ensuring that 25 of the players have already tasted World Cup triumph.
The squad is captained by the dynamic Megan Jones, whose leadership will be pivotal as the team embarks on a demanding three‑match domestic itinerary. The assembled side brings together a staggering total of 1,234 international caps, a testament to the depth of talent and the high‑level experience that the Red Roses possess. While the majority of the roster are seasoned internationals, Mitchell has also taken a calculated risk on three uncapped athletes—Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen—signalling his intent to inject new energy and broaden the player pool for future competitions. The first fixture on this home leg will see England face off against Australia at the newly‑named CorpAcq Stadium, situated on the fringes of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September.
This match will serve as a crucial barometer for the squad’s cohesion and tactical execution ahead of the subsequent encounter with Canada. The Canada game is scheduled for the following week at Sandy Park in Exeter and will be a repeat of the 2025 World Cup final, adding an extra layer of intrigue and rivalry to an already high‑stakes showdown.
Fans are encouraged to view the live coverage using the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible video player and ensures a smoother streaming experience. This technical recommendation underscores the organisers’ commitment to delivering a high‑quality viewing platform for a global audience. The home leg will culminate in a marquee clash against New Zealand, one of the sport’s most formidable opponents.
The match is set for Saturday 26 September at Allianz Stadium, where the venue is expected to host more than 50,000 spectators. The sheer scale of the crowd will amplify the pressure and excitement, providing a fitting finale to England’s domestic series. In his post‑selection remarks, Mitchell praised the pre‑season preparations, noting that the team has benefited from intensive training sessions and ample exposure to competitive scenarios. “The girls have worked hard to elevate their connections, making us stronger, and have driven high standards,” he said.
“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 also highlighted the freshness of the squad, emphasizing that it is only four weeks old and still possesses considerable reserves of energy and potential. “This squad is only four weeks old; there is plenty in the tank.
This is an exciting period to get after,” he added, underscoring the optimism surrounding the team’s prospects. The 2026 season marks the launch of the WXV Global Series, a groundbreaking competition that will run from 2026 to 2028.
Unlike traditional league structures, the series features a fixed roster of 12 nations for the entire three‑year cycle, eliminating promotion and relegation and allowing each country to focus on long‑term development and strategic planning. Beyond the home fixtures, the Red Roses will continue their campaign abroad, touring Canada and the United States in October as part of the series itinerary.
These overseas tests will provide further opportunities to gauge the squad’s adaptability and to cement England’s standing on the global stage. Below is a breakdown of the selected forwards and backs, illustrating the blend of experience and emerging talent: 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 comprehensive roster not only reflects England’s depth across the forward pack and backline but also signals a strategic balance between proven veterans and promising newcomers. As the Red Roses prepare to showcase their brand of rugby across three high‑profile home matches, the combination of seasoned leadership, fresh talent, and robust preparation positions them as strong contenders in the inaugural WXV Global Series.