England's Red Roses will take the field against Canada on Saturday with a refreshed starting XI that features the return of two pivotal veterans, Jess Breach and Alex Matthews. 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. In this upcoming fixture, Breach will line up on the right wing while Matthews returns to the No.
8 position, bringing experience and leadership to the back row. Head coach John Mitchell has opted for a substantial reshuffle, introducing nine changes to the squad for the first of a three‑match WXV series. The series will see the Red Roses travel to Exeter for the opening test, then head to Toronto on Friday, October 16, and finally to Ottawa on Friday, October 23.
A further high‑profile encounter against New Zealand is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, underscoring a busy and challenging international calendar. Among the fresh faces, hooker Bryony Field earned her first start after marking her international debut with a try in a commanding win over Australia. She will partner with a completely new front row that includes seasoned prop Hannah Botterman and rising talent Maud Muir. The second row also sees the return of Morwenna Talling, who re‑joins the starting pack after a period on the bench.
The half‑back pairing has been refreshed as well. Lucy Packer, who crossed the try‑line against the Wallaroos, has been promoted to scrum‑half, while Zoe Harrison will occupy the fly‑half role, providing a creative outlet for the backline. In midfield, Helena Rowland regains her place alongside captain Megan Jones, re‑establishing a familiar partnership that blends defensive solidity with attacking flair.
Three players from Exeter Chiefs—Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson—have been selected, reflecting 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 compete at this stadium since September 2023. Their inclusion not only rewards club performance but also offers a local connection for the fans attending the test. Mitchell highlighted the importance 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 emphasized that rivalries are essential for the growth of women's rugby, noting that the England‑Canada rivalry has matured into a high‑quality contest. "They are a well‑coached side who will present a different challenge to what we faced against Australia.
We will be expected to raise our standards," he added. The squad boasts a remarkable depth of experience, collectively holding 974 test caps.
Fourteen of the 23 match‑day players were part of the World Cup final triumph over Canada at Twickenham, underscoring the blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. The announced starting lineup reads 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 This match not only serves as a benchmark for England's preparation ahead of the New Zealand clash but also provides an opportunity for newer players to test themselves against a top‑tier opponent.
The Red Roses will look to build on their dominant performance against Australia, where they scored multiple tries and displayed a cohesive defensive structure. Canada, ranked third globally, will bring a disciplined, physically imposing style of play, making the contest a true test of England's depth and tactical adaptability.
Beyond the on‑field tactics, the fixture is significant for the broader development of women's rugby in the region. Hosting the test at Sandy Park will expose local supporters to elite international rugby, potentially inspiring the next generation of players. The presence of three Exeter Chiefs athletes further strengthens the link between club and country, highlighting pathways for aspiring talent.
In summary, the upcoming test promises a blend of experience and fresh energy, with Breach and Matthews anchoring the backline and forward pack respectively, while Mitchell's nine‑player overhaul signals a strategic shift aimed at maintaining England's position at the pinnacle of the women's game. The result will set the tone for the remainder of the WXV series and provide valuable insights as the Red Roses prepare for their forthcoming challenge against the formidable Black Ferns of New Zealand.