The Red Roses, England's women's rugby union team, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the upcoming home segment of the WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell has hand‑picked a blend of experienced campaigners and a handful of fresh faces, resulting in a squad that includes 25 players who have previously lifted the World Cup trophy.
Captained by the formidable Megan Jones, the group collectively boasts an impressive tally of 1,234 international caps, reflecting a depth of experience that should prove decisive in the challenges ahead. Among the selections are three newcomers to the senior side – Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen – who have earned their first call‑ups and will be eager to make an impact on the international stage.
The first fixture on this home leg will see England take on Australia at the newly named CorpAcq Stadium, located on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September. This encounter will be followed a week later by a high‑stakes clash with Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter, a rematch of the 2025 World Cup final that saw the Red Roses emerge victorious. The scheduling of these two matches provides a perfect platform for Mitchell’s side to showcase the progress made during the pre‑season and to fine‑tune combinations before the series moves overseas. Fans are encouraged to view the accompanying video highlights using the Chrome browser, as the platform offers the most reliable and accessible playback experience.
The culminating event of the home leg is set for Saturday 26 September, when England will face New Zealand at the iconic Allianz Stadium. Anticipation is high for this marquee matchup, which is expected to draw a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere that will test the mettle of both teams. In his post‑selection remarks, Mitchell praised the squad’s preparation, stating, "We've enjoyed a constructive pre‑season, both in terms of training intensity and the exposure we’ve given to our players. The girls have worked tirelessly to strengthen their connections on and off the field, raising our collective standards." He continued, "Our training has consistently been above the level of competition, with a focus on high‑intensity work.
Now we have the chance to excite ourselves and the entire nation with the style of rugby we intend to play across three Test matches on home soil." Mitchell also highlighted the youth of the squad, noting that it has only been assembled for four weeks, yet already possesses considerable depth and potential. "There’s still plenty in the tank," he said, "and this is an exhilarating period for us to build momentum and deliver memorable performances." The 2026 season marks the inaugural edition of the WXV Global Series, a landmark competition that will feature twelve nations over a three‑year cycle (2026‑2028) with a fixed lineup and no promotion or relegation. This structure aims to provide stability and foster long‑term development across the participating unions. Following the home leg, the Red Roses will travel to North America in October, where they will take on Canada and the United States as part of the series itinerary.
Below is the full list of forwards and backs selected for the home leg, illustrating the balance of power, skill, and versatility that Mitchell has assembled: Forwards: Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Delaney Burns, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Bryony Field, Haidee Head, Lilli Ives‑Campion, Hayley Jones, Sadia Kabeya, Haineala Lutui, Alex Matthews, Sophie McQueen, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Demelza Short, Morwenna Talling. Backs: Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Millie David, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Flo Robinson, Helena Rowland, Emma Sing, Mia Venner, Bo Westcombe‑Evans. The inclusion of both seasoned veterans and emerging talent underscores England’s commitment to sustaining excellence while nurturing the next generation of world‑class players.
With a schedule that pits them against three of the sport’s powerhouses on home turf, the Red Roses are poised to deliver a compelling showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer determination throughout the WXV Global Series home leg.