The England women's rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have announced their lineup for the upcoming home fixture against Australia, the opening match of the home leg of the 2026 WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell has introduced a number of fresh faces and reinstated several players who have been sidelined by injury, creating a blend of experience and renewed vigor for the contest at CorpAcq Stadium, the venue that also hosts the Gallagher Premiership side Sale Sharks. Mitchell’s selections represent five alterations compared with the side that clinched a historic fifth consecutive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in May when England defeated France.
The most notable returns are World Cup champion centre Tatyana Heard and scrum-half Natasha Hunt, both of whom have recovered from injury setbacks and are back in contention for starting roles. Their re‑entry adds depth to the backline and provides the squad with proven international pedigree.
The fly‑half position sees Holly Aitchison earn her 50th cap for England, a milestone that underscores her consistency and skill in directing the team’s attack. Hooker May Campbell is also named in the starting XV, bringing a solid set‑piece presence and leadership qualities to the front row. On the wing, the back three will be comprised of Mia Venner, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne, offering a mixture of pace, power and finishing ability.
In addition to the starters, Mitchell has called up several players who missed the Six Nations campaign due to injury. Prop Hannah Botterman, who was absent for the entire tournament, is listed among the replacements, as is Morwenna Talling, a versatile forward who can cover multiple positions in the pack.
Their inclusion signals that the coaching staff is keen to integrate them back into the match‑day environment and assess their readiness for future fixtures. One notable absentee is Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford, who has been ruled out of the home WXV matches because of a hamstring problem.
Liz Crake steps in to fill the gap in the squad, while Clifford remains part of the broader training group with the aim of rejoining the team for the North American leg of the series in October. The match against Australia will be played at CorpAcq Stadium, a venue that holds special significance for Mitchell. Having previously spent two periods with Sale Sharks, Mitchell reflected on his personal connection to the north‑west region, saying, "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 emphasized the importance of regional outreach, noting that playing in varied locations helps the sport stay visible and rooted in local communities. "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 added. Mitchell also highlighted the role of connection and team cohesion, especially as the squad has spent an intensive pre‑season period building stronger bonds. "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," he explained.
The coach’s optimism is evident as he looks forward to launching the WXV Global Series, stating, "We're excited to get our WXV Global Series under way and aim to excite and entertain." The 2026 edition marks the inaugural season of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to elevate women's rugby on a worldwide stage. Twelve nations have been locked in for the 2026‑2028 cycle, meaning there will be no promotion or relegation during this period, allowing each country to plan long‑term development strategies. Following the clash with Australia, England’s schedule continues with a high‑profile encounter against Canada on September 19 at Sandy Park in Exeter. This fixture will be a repeat of the 2025 World Cup final, reigniting a recent rivalry.
A week later, the Red Roses will travel to Allianz Stadium to face New Zealand on September 26, offering another stern test against one of the sport’s powerhouses. Later in the year, the team will embark on a tour of North America as part of the WXV series, taking on Canada again and then the United States in October.
These matches will provide valuable experience against diverse playing styles and will be crucial for building momentum heading into future international tournaments. The announced starting XV for the Australia game reads 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; forwards 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 blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent positions England to showcase a dynamic, resilient brand of rugby as they commence their WXV journey.