England's elite women's rugby side, the Red Roses, are set to field a refreshed starting XV against Canada in the opening match of a three‑test WXV series on Saturday, with the return of seasoned internationals Jess Breach and Alex Matthews anchoring the backline and back row respectively. Both players were instrumental in England's triumphant 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign, where they helped secure a victory over Canada in the final, and their inclusion signals a blend of experience and ambition for the upcoming fixtures.
Head coach John Mitchell has taken the bold step of implementing nine alterations to the squad, underscoring his intent to fine‑tune the team’s dynamics ahead of a demanding schedule that will see the Red Roses travel to Canada for two further tests – in Toronto on Friday, 16 October, and in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October – before turning their attention to a clash with the world‑beating Black Ferns on Saturday, 26 September at the newly refurbished Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The revamped back three now features Breach on the right wing, where her pace and finishing ability will be crucial in exploiting any defensive lapses by the Canadian side. At number eight, Matthews brings her powerful ball‑carrying, breakdown expertise and leadership to a forward pack that is also undergoing significant changes.
Notably, the front row will be entirely new, with hooker Bryony Field earning her first start after a debut try against the Wallaroos, alongside seasoned prop Hannah Botterman and the impressive Maud Muir. This all‑changed front row is expected to provide a fresh platform for set‑piece stability and scrummaging power. In the second row, Morwenna Talling returns to the starting lineup, adding height and line‑out proficiency, while Lilli Ives Campion and Abi Burton complete the engine room, offering a mix of physicality and mobility. The back row, beyond Matthews, will see Sadia Kabeya operating at blindside flanker, with the versatile Delaney Burns named among the replacements, ready to inject energy off the bench.
The half‑back pairing has also seen a reshuffle. Scrum‑half Lucy Packer, who crossed the try line against the Australian Wallaroos, will link the forwards and backs, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will orchestrate the attack, providing tactical kicking and distribution. Their synergy will be vital in executing Mitchell’s game plan, which emphasizes quick recycling of the ball, exploiting space on the wings, and maintaining a high defensive line.
Midfield stability is reinforced by the reinstatement of Helena Rowland alongside captain Megan Jones, who will marshal the backline and make strategic decisions under pressure. The back three also includes Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, a dynamic Exeter Chiefs product, who will partner Breach on the left wing, offering a potent attacking threat. The squad also features three more Exeter Chiefs players – Maddie Feaunati, Flo Robinson, and Moloney‑MacDonald – highlighting the club’s growing contribution to the national team.
Their familiarity with each other’s playing style could prove advantageous, especially as the Red Roses prepare to play at Sandy Park, the home ground of Exeter Chiefs, marking the first time the national side will use the venue since September 2023. Mitchell’s comments capture the significance of the series: "This is the first Test of an exciting three‑Test series between the No 1 and No 3 teams in the world. 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." His remarks underscore the competitive edge Canada brings, having improved markedly since their World Cup encounter, and the necessity for England to elevate their performance. Statistically, the England squad boasts a cumulative 974 test caps, reflecting a depth of experience.
Fourteen members of the match‑day 23 were part of the World Cup final triumph, indicating a core group familiar with high‑pressure situations. This blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent aims to deliver a cohesive, adaptable performance capable of countering Canada’s tactical variations.
The full starting XV for the match is as follows: 15 Ellie Kildunne at fullback, 14 Jess Breach on the right wing, 13 Megan Jones (captain) at outside centre, 12 Helena Rowland at inside centre, 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald on the left wing, 10 Zoe Harrison at fly‑half, 9 Lucy Packer at scrum‑half; 1 Hannah Botterman at loosehead prop, 2 Bryony Field at hooker, 3 Maud Muir at tighthead prop, 4 Morwenna Talling at lock, 5 Lilli Ives Campion at lock, 6 Abi Burton at blindside flanker, 7 Sadia Kabeya at openside flanker, 8 Alex Matthews at number eight. The replacements include May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Delaney Burns, Maddie Feaunati, Marlie Packer, Flo Robinson, and Holly Aitchison, providing depth across all positions. As the Red Roses step onto the pitch at Sandy Park, the stakes are high. The series offers an opportunity not only to reaffirm England’s status as world leaders but also to test the squad’s resilience and adaptability against a Canadian side eager to reverse the previous World Cup outcome.
With strategic changes, fresh talent, and a clear vision from Mitchell, England aims to deliver a compelling performance that sets the tone for the remainder of the WXV campaign.