England’s elite women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, are set to field a refreshed lineup for their opening WXV test against Canada this Saturday, with two of the squad’s most celebrated players, wing Jess Breach and number eight Alex Matthews, back in the starting XV. Their return follows the triumphant campaign at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where both athletes were instrumental in England’s victory over Canada in the final.
Head coach John Mitchell has taken the opportunity to overhaul the team, making nine alterations to the matchday roster in an effort to inject fresh energy and tactical variety. Breach, who earned a reputation for her blistering pace and incisive finishing ability, will line up on the right wing, a position that allows her to exploit space on the outer channels and threaten the opposition’s defensive line with her speed and agility. Meanwhile, Matthews, a powerful ball‑carrying forward known for her dynamic play at the base of the scrum, will resume her duties at number eight. Her experience in linking the forwards and backs will be vital as England seeks to dominate the midfield exchanges against a well‑organized Canadian side.
The upcoming test series will see the Red Roses travel to Exeter for the first encounter, followed by a match in Toronto on Friday, 16 October, and a final showdown in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October. In addition to the Canadian fixtures, England will also face New Zealand on Saturday, 26 September, at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, providing a stern test against the world’s top‑ranked team. A notable storyline heading into the Exeter test is the debut of hooker Bryony Field, who crossed the try line in her first international appearance during a commanding win over Australia the previous weekend.
Her performance earned her a starting spot in a completely revamped front row that also features the seasoned prop Hannah Botterman and the promising young front‑rower Maud Muir. The second row will see the return of Morwenna Talling, adding further depth and experience to the pack. In the half‑back department, scrum‑half Lucy Packer, who also found the try‑line against the Wallaroos, has been handed the starting role, with fly‑half Zoe Harrison positioned outside her. The midfield will be anchored by Helena Rowland, who re‑joins the centre partnership alongside captain Megan Jones, providing a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair.
The squad also highlights the strong representation from the Exeter Chiefs, with three players – Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – selected as the Red Roses prepare to play at Sandy Park, the home ground of their club, for the first time since September 2023. This home‑ground advantage is expected to boost the team’s confidence and showcase the growing support for women’s rugby in the region.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mitchell emphasized the significance of the series, stating, “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 underline the competitive nature of the encounter and the necessity for England to elevate their performance to maintain their top‑ranking.
The England squad boasts a cumulative total of 974 Test caps, reflecting a deep reservoir of experience. Fourteen members of the match‑day 23 were part of the World Cup final triumph over Canada, underscoring the blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent that Mitchell hopes will deliver a balanced and potent performance.
The starting XV for the Red Roses is as follows: 15 Ellie Kildunne – full‑back, providing a reliable last‑line defense and counter‑attacking options. 14 Jess Breach – right wing, tasked with exploiting the wide channels and finishing scoring opportunities. 13 Megan Jones (c) – inside centre and captain, leading the backline with strategic vision. 12 Helena Rowland – outside centre, offering defensive strength and creative attacking lines.
11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald – left wing, adding pace and width to the back three. 10 Zoe Harrison – fly‑half, orchestrating the game plan and directing the backline. 9 Lucy Packer – scrum‑half, linking forwards and backs with quick service.
1 Hannah Botterman – loosehead prop, anchoring the scrum and providing power in set‑pieces. 2 Bryony Field – hooker, debutant who impressed with a try against Australia. 3 Maud Muir – tighthead prop, offering stability and strength in the front row.
4 Morwenna Talling – lock, reinforcing the second row with line‑out expertise. 5 Lilli Ives Campion – lock, contributing to the engine room of the pack.
6 Abi Burton – blind‑side flanker, known for her tackling and breakdown work. 7 Sadia Kabeya – open‑side flanker, bringing mobility and turnover skills.
8 Alex Matthews – number eight, linking forward play with the backs and providing dynamic ball‑carrying. The replacements include: 16 May Campbell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Delaney Burns, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Marlie Packer, 22 Flo Robinson, and 23 Holly Aitchison. Overall, this match represents a pivotal moment for the Red Roses as they look to cement their status at the pinnacle of women’s rugby while navigating a schedule that tests their depth, adaptability, and resilience.
The blend of returning stars, debutants, and club stalwarts promises an engaging contest that will set the tone for the remainder of the WXV series and the upcoming challenges against the world’s elite teams.