England’s elite women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, are set to field a refreshed starting XV for the opening match of a three‑test series against Canada this Saturday. The selections see the return of seasoned internationals Jess Breach and Alex Matthews, both of whom 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. Breach will line up on the right wing, while Matthews will take charge at the No. 8 position, bringing a blend of experience and physicality to the back three and the back row respectively.
Head coach John Mitchell has opted for a sweeping nine‑player overhaul ahead of the fixture, signalling his intent to inject fresh energy while still retaining the core that delivered World Cup glory. The series will see the Red Roses travel to Canada for a second test in Toronto on Friday, October 16, and then to Ottawa for the third on Friday, October 23. In addition, the squad will face New Zealand on Saturday, September 26, at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, providing a packed calendar of high‑stakes encounters against the world’s top teams. One of the standout stories from the recent match‑day squad is the debut of hooker Bryony Field, who crossed the try line in her first international appearance during a dominant win over the Wallaroos.
Her performance earned her a starting berth in a completely revamped front row that also features the formidable Hannah Botterman at prop and the dynamic Maud Muir anchoring the opposite side. This new front‑row combination is expected to bring both stability and aggression in set‑piece situations, a crucial factor against a Canadian pack known for its scrummaging prowess. The second row will see Morwenna Talling return to the starting lineup, providing height and line‑out expertise alongside Lilli Ives Campion.
Their partnership will be vital in securing possession and disrupting Canada’s own line‑out platforms. In the half‑back department, scrum‑half Lucy Packer, who also found the try‑line against the Wallaroos, has been handed the gloves, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will operate outside her, orchestrating the back‑line attack with tactical kicking and distribution. Midfield selections feature Helena Rowland, who re‑joins the centre partnership with captain Megan Jones.
Rowland’s defensive solidity and ability to break the line complement Jones’s leadership and attacking instincts, forming a midfield duo capable of both creating and containing opportunities. On the wing, alongside Breach, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald of the Exeter Chiefs will bring pace and finishing ability, while the full‑back position is occupied by Ellie Kildunne, whose counter‑attacking flair adds an extra dimension to England’s back‑line. Three players from the Exeter Chiefs – Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati, and Flo Robinson – have been included in the squad, underscoring the strong link between the club and the national team. The match will be played at Sandy Park, the home ground of the Chiefs, marking the first time the Red Roses have taken the field at this venue since September 2023.
The familiar surroundings are expected to provide a comfortable environment for the players, especially those who regularly train and compete there. Mitchell emphasized the significance of the series, describing it as the first test of an exciting three‑match showdown between the world’s No. 1 and No.
3 ranked women’s teams. He highlighted the evolution of the rivalry with Canada, noting that the Canadians have become a well‑coached side that presents a distinct challenge compared to the physicality previously encountered against Australia.
"We will be expected to raise our standards," Mitchell said, underscoring the need for England to adapt and elevate their performance in response to Canada’s tactical approach. The squad’s depth is evident, with a total of 974 test caps across the roster, reflecting a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Fourteen of the 23 match‑day players were part of the World Cup final triumph, ensuring that the experience of winning on the biggest stage is present on the field. This mixture of continuity and fresh faces is designed to maintain England’s high standards while fostering the development of the next generation of Red Roses.
The announced starting XV is as follows: - 15 Ellie Kildunne (full‑back) - 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 As the Red Roses prepare for their home test at Sandy Park, fans can anticipate a high‑intensity contest that will set the tone for the remainder of the series. England will look to assert their dominance early, leveraging the experience of World Cup winners while integrating the vigor of newcomers. Canada, meanwhile, will aim to challenge England’s tactical plans and exploit any lapses in defensive organization.
The outcome of this opening match will not only influence the momentum of the three‑test series but also provide valuable insight into how both teams adapt their strategies ahead of the upcoming clash with New Zealand, a fixture that promises to be another marquee event in the women’s international rugby calendar.