England's elite women's rugby side, the Red Roses, are set to field a rejuvenated lineup for their opening WXV test against Canada this Saturday, with seasoned internationals Jess Breach and Alex Matthews back in the starting XV. Both athletes were pivotal 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 wing and the No. 8 position respectively, bringing experience and a winning mentality to the squad.
Head coach John Mitchell has taken the opportunity of the three‑match series to overhaul his team, introducing nine changes to the starting fifteen. The first encounter will be played at Exeter's Sandy Park, a venue that holds special significance for many of the players as it serves as the home ground for the Exeter Chiefs women's team.
The series will continue with a second test in Toronto on 16 October and a third in Ottawa on 23 October, before England travel to face the world champions New Zealand at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium on 26 September. Among the fresh faces is hooker Bryony Field, who announced her arrival on the international stage by crossing the try line in her debut against the Wallaroos. Her impressive performance earned her a starting role in a completely new front row that also features the formidable Hannah Botterman at loosehead and Maud Muir anchoring the opposite side of the scrum.
The second row sees the return of Morwenna Talling, whose line‑out expertise and physical presence will be vital against a Canadian pack known for its athleticism. At scrum-half, Lucy Packer—another recent try‑scorer against Australia—has been handed the ball, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will operate outside her, tasked with directing the backline and managing the game’s tempo.
In the midfield, Helena Rowland regains her place alongside captain Megan Jones, providing a blend of creativity and defensive solidity. The back three is bolstered by the inclusion of three Exeter Chiefs alumni—Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati, and Flo Robinson—who bring familiarity with the home venue and a deep understanding of the club's playing philosophy. Mitchell emphasized the significance of the fixture, describing it as "the first test of an exciting three‑test series between the No. 1 and No.
3 teams in the world." He highlighted the growing rivalry with Canada, noting that both sides have evolved into high‑calibre opponents. "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," he said, underscoring the need for England to elevate their performance. The squad’s depth is evident in its collective experience: the roster boasts a total of 974 test caps, and fourteen of the twenty‑three match‑day players were part of the World Cup final triumph over Canada. This blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent creates a dynamic environment where leadership and fresh perspectives can coexist.
The announced starting lineup reads as follows: fullback Ellie Kildunne (15), wing Jess Breach (14), centre Megan Jones (c) (13), centre Helena Rowland (12), wing Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald (11), fly‑half Zoe Harrison (10), scrum‑half Lucy Packer (9); prop Hannah Botterman (1), hooker Bryony Field (2), prop Maud Muir (3), lock Morwenna Talling (4), lock Lilli Ives Campion (5), flanker Abi Burton (6), flanker Sadia Kabeya (7), No. 8 Alex Matthews (8). The bench includes May Campbell (16), Mackenzie Carson (17), Sarah Bern (18), Delaney Burns (19), Maddie Feaunati (20), Marlie Packer (21), Flo Robinson (22) and Holly Aitchison (23). Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, the match offers a platform for England to test new combinations ahead of the looming showdown with New Zealand, a side that consistently pushes the boundaries of the women's game.
The Red Roses will aim to fine‑tune their set‑piece execution, defensive patterns, and attacking structures against a Canadian team that combines physicality with a fast‑paced, expansive style of play. In addition to the on‑field adjustments, the coaching staff will be closely monitoring player workloads, given the tight schedule of three international fixtures across three different continents within a short span. Managing recovery, travel fatigue, and injury risk will be paramount to maintaining peak performance levels throughout the series. Overall, the re‑introduction of Breach and Matthews, coupled with the infusion of new talent and strategic changes, signals England's intent to dominate the series and reaffirm their position at the pinnacle of women's rugby.
Fans can anticipate an exciting contest at Sandy Park, where the Red Roses will look to set the tone for the remainder of the WXV campaign and build momentum heading into their high‑stakes clash with the All Blacks in September.