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 seasoned internationals Jess Breach and Alex Matthews back in the starting XV. Both players 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. Breach will line up on the right wing, while Matthews will anchor the pack at number eight, bringing their experience and skill to a side that has undergone a substantial overhaul under head coach John Mitchell. Coach Mitchell has introduced nine alterations to the matchday squad, signalling a strategic shift as the Red Roses prepare for a three‑test series against the world’s third‑ranked side.
The series will unfold across three venues: the first encounter in Exeter on Saturday, followed by a match in Toronto on Friday, 16 October, and a final test in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October. In addition to the Canadian fixtures, England will also face the formidable New Zealand Black Ferns on Saturday, 26 September, at the iconic Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, further testing the depth and adaptability of the squad. Among the notable inclusions is hooker Bryony Field, who marked her international debut with a try in England’s commanding win over Australia last weekend.
Her performance earned her a starting berth in a completely new front row, which also features prop Hannah Botterman and fellow newcomer Maud Muir. The second row sees the return of Morwenna Talling, adding height and physicality to the set‑piece platform. The half‑back pairing has also been refreshed. Scrum‑half Lucy Packer, who crossed the try line against the Wallaroos, will take the ball from the base of the ruck, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will orchestrate the back‑line attack.
In the midfield, Helena Rowland regains her place alongside captain Megan Jones, providing a blend of creativity and leadership. Three players from the Exeter Chiefs – Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – have been selected, underscoring the significance of the venue. The match will be played at Sandy Park, the home ground of the Chiefs, marking the first time the Red Roses will take the field at this stadium since September 2023.
Their inclusion not only highlights the depth of talent within the club but also offers a home‑grown advantage as the team enjoys familiar surroundings. 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 rivalries are essential for the sport’s growth, noting that the England‑Canada rivalry has matured into a high‑stakes contest.
"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 Red Roses squad brings a wealth of experience, collectively boasting 974 test caps. Fourteen of the 23 players named for the match were part of the World Cup final triumph, reinforcing a core of seasoned campaigners who understand the pressures of elite competition.
This blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent aims to maintain England’s dominance while integrating fresh perspectives. The announced starting XV is as follows: - 15 Ellie Kildunne (fullback) - 14 Jess Breach (right wing) - 13 Megan Jones (captain, inside centre) - 12 Helena Rowland (outside 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 eight) 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 series against Canada offers a platform for England to test new combinations and assess the impact of Mitchell’s extensive changes.
The inclusion of players like Field, who demonstrated a knack for finding the try line on debut, suggests a focus on dynamic, attacking rugby. Meanwhile, the return of experienced figures such as Breach and Matthews provides stability and leadership, essential for guiding the newer members through high‑pressure moments. The Red Roses’ preparation has also involved analyzing Canada’s recent performances. Canada’s coaching staff has emphasized a structured defensive system and a forward‑driven approach, differing from the expansive style England displayed against Australia.
Mitchell anticipates that Canada will present a “different challenge,” requiring England to adapt their game plan, perhaps incorporating a tighter defensive line and more emphasis on set‑piece dominance. Off the field, the series is expected to generate significant interest among supporters, with the Exeter match offering a rare opportunity for local fans to witness world‑class women’s rugby in their own community. The partnership between the national team and club venues reflects a broader strategy to grow the sport’s visibility and inspire the next generation of players. In summary, England’s Red Roses enter the first WXV test against Canada with a blend of seasoned champions and promising newcomers, guided by a coach eager to inject fresh ideas.
The nine‑player overhaul demonstrates Mitchell’s commitment to evolving the squad, while the presence of World Cup veterans ensures that the team retains its competitive edge. As the series unfolds across three continents, the Red Roses will aim to assert their status as world leaders, adapt to the evolving tactics of a strong Canadian side, and continue building the rivalry that promises to elevate women’s rugby on the global stage.