Jess Breach and Alex Matthews are back in the starting lineup for England's Red Roses as they take on Canada in the opening fixture of a three‑match WXV series scheduled for Saturday. Their recall comes as head coach John Mitchell reshuffles the squad, introducing nine new faces into the matchday roster. Both Breach and Matthews were instrumental in England's triumphant campaign at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, where the Red Roses edged out Canada in a tightly contested final. This time around, Breach will line up on the right wing, bringing her trademark speed and finishing ability, while Matthews returns to the No.
8 position, offering her powerful ball‑carrying and leadership in the loose forwards. The upcoming test series pits England against Canada on three occasions: the first encounter in Exeter on Saturday, a second test in Toronto on Friday, October 16, and a concluding match in Ottawa on Friday, October 23. In addition to the Canadian showdown, the Red Roses have a high‑profile clash with New Zealand slated for Saturday, September 26, at the iconic Allianz Stadium within the Twickenham complex.
A notable storyline heading into the Exeter game is the emergence of hooker Bryony Field, who marked her international debut with a try in a dominant victory over Australia last weekend. Her performance earned her a starting berth in a completely revamped front row that also features seasoned props Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir. The second row sees the return of Morwenna Talling, who joins the pack alongside the established lock pairing. In the half‑back department, scrum‑half Lucy Packer—another try‑scorer from the Wallaroos match—has been handed the starting role, with fly‑half Zoe Harrison positioned outside her to orchestrate the back‑line attack.
The midfield sees the reinstatement of Helena Rowland, who will partner captain Meg Jones, providing a blend of creativity and defensive solidity. Three players from the Exeter Chiefs—Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson—have been selected, underscoring the significance of the venue. Sandy Park, the home ground of the Chiefs, will host the Red Roses for the first time since September 2023, offering a familiar setting for these club teammates. "This is the first Test of an exciting three‑Test series between the No 1 and No 3 teams in the world," Mitchell said in his pre‑match briefing.
"You need rivalries in our sport and our rivalry with Canada is one that has evolved to a great level. They are a well‑coached team who will bring a different challenge to the one Australia presented. We will be expected to raise our standards." England's squad brings a wealth of experience, collectively amassing 974 Test caps.
Fourteen of the 23 players named for the match were part of the World Cup final triumph over Canada at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium, highlighting the blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. The announced starting XV reads as follows: - 15 Ellie Kildunne (full‑back) - 14 Jess Breach (right wing) - 13 Megan Jones (captain, outside centre) - 12 Helena Rowland (inside centre) - 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald (left wing) - 10 Zoe Harrison (fly‑half) - 9 Lucy Packer (scrum‑half) - 1 Hannah Botterman (loosehead prop) - 2 Bryony Field (hooker) - 3 Maud Muir (tighthead prop) - 4 Morwenna Talling (lock) - 5 Lilli Ives Campion (lock) - 6 Abi Burton (blindside flanker) - 7 Sadia Kabeya (openside flanker) - 8 Alex Matthews (number 8) The bench includes: - 16 May Campbell - 17 Mackenzie Carson - 18 Sarah Bern - 19 Delaney Burns - 20 Maddie Feaunati - 21 Marlie Packer - 22 Flo Robinson - 23 Holly Aitchison Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, the match offers a chance for England to gauge their progress against a side that has closed the gap since the World Cup final. Canada, ranked third globally, have refined their set‑piece and defensive structures, presenting a nuanced threat that differs from the more expansive style exhibited by Australia earlier in the year.
Mitchell's nine changes reflect a desire to inject fresh energy while preserving the core that delivered World Cup glory. The inclusion of emerging talents such as Bryony Field and Lucy Packer signals a strategic investment in the next generation of Red Roses. Field's debut try demonstrated her instinctive support play and ability to exploit gaps close to the breakdown, while Packer's quick service from the base of the ruck promises to accelerate the tempo of England's attack.
Their performances will be closely monitored, as they could become regular fixtures in the senior squad moving forward. Moreover, the match serves as a showcase for the growing popularity of women's rugby in England.
Hosting the game at Sandy Park, a venue with a rich rugby heritage, provides an intimate atmosphere for supporters and highlights the partnership between club and country. The presence of three Exeter Chiefs players further strengthens the link between domestic club success and international selection, reinforcing the pathway for aspiring players. In summary, the Red Roses approach this opening test with a blend of experience, youthful vigor, and strategic adjustments.
The nine‑player overhaul underscores John Mitchell's commitment to evolving the team's style and maintaining its position at the pinnacle of women's rugby. Fans can anticipate a fiercely contested encounter that will set the tone for the remainder of the series and shape England's preparations for the upcoming clash with the Black Ferns of New Zealand.