The England women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have announced their starting lineup for the upcoming clash against Australia, scheduled for Saturday at the CorpAcq Stadium, the home ground of the Gallagher Premiership side Sale Sharks. This fixture marks the opening match of the home leg of the 2026 WXV Global Series, a newly‑created international competition that will run from 2026 through 2028 and feature a fixed roster of twelve nations without promotion or relegation.
Head coach John Mitchell has opted for a substantial overhaul, introducing five fresh faces compared with the side that secured a fifth consecutive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam by defeating France in May. The most notable inclusions are World Cup champions Tatyana Heard, who returns to the centre position after a spell on the sidelines, and scrum‑half Natasha Hunt, also back from injury. Their experience and skill are expected to add a significant boost to the backline.
The fly‑half role will be filled by Holly Aitchison, who will earn her 50th cap for England in this match, a milestone that underscores her longevity and consistency at the highest level. At hooker, May Campbell has been selected, while the back three will feature wing Mia Venner alongside Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne, creating a dynamic attacking trio.
Both Hannah Botterman and Morwenna Talling, who missed the entire Six Nations campaign due to injury, have been cleared to play and are listed among the substitutes, providing depth and versatility. Meanwhile, Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford has been forced out of the squad for the home leg because of a hamstring issue; she will be replaced by Liz Crake.
Clifford remains part of the wider training group and is being groomed for a possible return during the North American leg of the series in October. Mitchell, who previously spent two periods with Sale Sharks, expressed his enthusiasm for playing in the north‑west of England. He recalled his fond memories of the region and highlighted the importance of taking the game to different communities: "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. 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." He continued, stressing the role of connection in sport: "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 WXV Global Series represents the inaugural edition of this global tournament, designed to provide regular, high‑quality competition for the top women’s rugby nations.
The format locks in the same twelve teams for the entire 2026‑2028 cycle, meaning there will be no promotion or relegation during this period, which allows each nation to plan long‑term development pathways. Following the Australia test, England’s schedule remains packed.
The Red Roses will travel to face Canada on September 19 at Sandy Park in Exeter, a repeat of the 2025 World Cup final that saw England emerge victorious. A week later, on September 26, they will take on the world champions New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, offering a stern test against the southern hemisphere’s best. In October, the team will embark on a tour of North America, playing both Canada and the United States as part of the WXV series, providing further opportunities to refine tactics and build squad cohesion. The matchday squad for the Australia game is as follows: - 15 Ellie Kildunne (full‑back) - 14 Mia Venner (right wing) - 13 Megan Jones (captain, inside centre) - 12 Tatyana Heard (outside centre) - 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald (left wing) - 10 Holly Aitchison (fly‑half) - 9 Natasha Hunt (scrum‑half) - 1 Mackenzie Carson (loosehead prop) - 2 May Campbell (hooker) - 3 Sarah Bern (tighthead prop) - 4 Delaney Burns (lock) - 5 Lilli Ives‑Campion (lock) - 6 Abi Burton (blindside flanker) - 7 Sadia Kabeya (openside flanker) - 8 Maddie Feaunati (number eight) The bench includes: - 16 Bryony Field - 17 Hannah Botterman - 18 Maud Muir - 19 Morwenna Talling - 20 Marlie Packer - 21 Lucy Packer - 22 Zoe Harrison - 23 Helena Rowland These selections reflect Mitchell’s intent to blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, ensuring a balanced unit capable of adapting to the fast‑paced, physical style that Australia typically employs.
The inclusion of returning World Cup winners and the milestone caps for players like Aitchison illustrate a squad that values experience while still nurturing the next generation. Overall, the Red Roses head into the WXV Global Series with optimism and a clear sense of purpose.
By integrating players who have overcome injuries, rewarding those who have performed consistently in domestic competitions, and embracing the community‑focused ethos championed by their coach, England aims to set a high standard for women’s rugby both on and off the field. The upcoming matches will not only test their tactical acumen but also serve as a platform to inspire fans across the country, particularly in regions like the north‑west where the sport continues to grow in popularity.