The England women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have announced their lineup for the opening fixture of the home leg of the WXV Global Series, a showdown against Australia slated for Saturday. Head coach John Mitchell has opted for a substantial overhaul, introducing five fresh faces compared with the side that clinched a historic fifth consecutive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in May when they defeated France. Two of England’s most celebrated athletes, World Cup champion centre Tatyana Heard and scrum‑half Natasha Hunt, have both recovered from injury setbacks and are back in the match‑day squad. Their return adds both experience and firepower to a backline that is eager to showcase its depth and skill.
The fly‑half position sees Holly Aitchison earn her 50th cap for England, a milestone that underscores her consistency and composure under pressure. Hooker May Campbell has also been selected, bringing a blend of strength and mobility to the set‑piece. On the wing, the back three now features the dynamic Mia Venner alongside the versatile Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and prolific try‑scorer Ellie Kildunne, creating a potent attacking trio capable of stretching any defence. Former front‑row stalwart Hannah Botterman, who missed the entire Six Nations campaign due to injury, is once again fit and has been named among the replacements.
Morwenna Talling, another player returning to full fitness, also makes the bench, providing additional options in the forward pack. Unfortunately, Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford will miss the home leg of the WXV series after sustaining a hamstring injury.
She is being replaced in the squad by Liz Crake, who will step into the front row for the upcoming match. Despite this setback, Clifford remains part of the broader training group and is being groomed for a potential return during the tour of North America scheduled for October. The clash with Australia will be staged at the CorpAcq Stadium, the modern home of the Gallagher Premiership’s Sale Sharks. Mitchell, who previously spent two spells with Sale, expressed his enthusiasm for the venue: "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." He went on to highlight the strategic importance of playing in varied locations across England: "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. 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 season marks the inaugural edition of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to elevate women’s rugby on a global stage.
Twelve nations have been locked in for the 2026‑2028 cycle, meaning there will be no promotion or relegation during this period, allowing teams to focus on development and high‑level competition. Looking ahead, England’s schedule remains packed. After the Australian test, the Red Roses will travel to face Canada on September 19 at Sandy Park in Exeter, recreating the dramatic encounter from the 2025 World Cup final. A week later, on September 26, they will take on the formidable New Zealand side at the Allianz Stadium.
The autumn will see the squad embark on a tour of North America, with matches against Canada and the United States forming a crucial part of the WXV series. 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 selection reflects Mitchell’s intent to blend seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, ensuring the Red Roses possess both the experience needed for high‑pressure moments and the fresh energy required to push the game forward. The return of key players like Heard and Hunt, combined with the integration of newcomers such as Aitchison’s 50‑cap milestone, signals a squad that is both resilient and ambitious.
As the WXV Global Series unfolds, England will aim to set a benchmark for excellence, inspire new fans across the country, and continue building the legacy of women’s rugby at the highest level.