Jess Breach and Alex Matthews are set to line up once more for England’s Red Roses as they take on Canada in the opening fixture of a three‑match WXV series on Saturday. Both athletes were instrumental in England’s triumphant campaign at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where they helped secure a victory over Canada in the final, and they now return to the field occupying the right wing and the No. 8 position respectively.
Head coach John Mitchell has overhauled his lineup, introducing nine changes ahead of the encounter in Exeter. The revamped side will travel to Toronto on Friday, 16 October, for the second test, before heading to Ottawa on Friday, 23 October, to complete the series. A further challenge awaits the Red Roses on 26 September when they meet New Zealand at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Among the newcomers, hooker Bryony Field earned her first start after crossing the try‑line on debut in a commanding win over the Wallaroos. She joins an entirely new front row alongside seasoned props Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir. In the second row, Morwenna Talling returns to the starting XV, adding experience and physicality to the engine room. At scrum‑half, Lucy Packer—who also found the try‑line against Australia—has been handed the number 9 jersey, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will operate outside her, directing the back‑line attack.
In midfield, Helena Rowland re‑enters the fold beside captain Megan Jones, restoring a familiar partnership that has proven effective in previous internationals. Three players from the Exeter Chiefs—Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson—have been selected, underscoring the significance of playing at their home venue, Sandy Park, for the first time since September 2023. The familiarity of the surroundings is expected to give the Red Roses an extra edge in front of a supportive crowd.
Mitchell highlighted the importance of the series, describing it as "the first test of an exciting three‑test series between the No 1 and No 3 teams in the world." He emphasized that strong rivalries drive the sport forward and noted that Canada has evolved into a sophisticated, well‑coached side that will present a different set of challenges compared with the Wallaroos. "We will be expected to raise our standards," he added, signalling the high expectations placed on the squad. The England roster boasts a combined total of 974 Test caps, reflecting a deep reservoir of experience.
Fourteen of the 23 players named for the match were part of the World Cup‑winning lineup that defeated Canada at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, providing a solid foundation of proven performers. The starting lineup for the Red Roses is as follows: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Bryony Field, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews. 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 adjustments, the expanded squad depth signals England’s intent to build a sustainable pipeline of talent. The inclusion of emerging players like Field and Packer demonstrates a commitment to integrating fresh perspectives while maintaining the core of World Cup veterans.
This blend of youth and experience aims to keep the Red Roses at the pinnacle of women’s rugby, ensuring they can adapt to the evolving styles of international opposition. Canada, ranked third globally, will be eager to avenge their World Cup final loss.
Their recent performances have shown a more structured defensive pattern and a dynamic attacking approach, which will test England’s back‑line cohesion, particularly the newly reinstated wing Breach and the seasoned play‑maker Harrison. The three‑test format provides both teams with the opportunity to adjust strategies between matches. England’s coaching staff will likely analyze the first game’s outcomes in detail, refining set‑piece execution and defensive alignments to counteract Canada’s strengths. Conversely, Canada will aim to exploit any transitional gaps that arise from England’s extensive personnel changes.
Overall, the upcoming clash at Sandy Park promises a high‑intensity spectacle, with seasoned champions facing a rejuvenated opponent. Fans can anticipate a blend of tactical nuance, physical prowess, and the sheer excitement that comes from two of the world’s top women’s rugby nations meeting on the field. The result of this encounter will set the tone for the remainder of the series and could have lasting implications for the world rankings as the teams vie for supremacy in the WXV competition.