England’s Red Roses are set to field a refreshed starting XV for their opening WXV test against Canada on Saturday, with seasoned internationals Jess Breach and Alex Matthews back in the side. Both players 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. Coach John Mitchell has taken the opportunity to make a sweeping nine‑player change to the squad, aiming to inject fresh energy and maintain the high standards that have defined the team’s recent success.
Breach, who will line up on the right wing, brings a blend of blistering pace and clinical finishing that has made her a constant threat on the edge of the field. Her experience in high‑pressure matches, particularly the World Cup final, will be invaluable as the Red Roses look to start the series strongly. Partnering her in the forwards, Alex Matthews returns to the No.
8 role, offering a powerful ball‑carrying presence and a keen eye for the breakdown. Matthews’ leadership and work rate were key components of England’s dominant display in the 2025 final, and her presence should bolster the pack’s cohesion. The three‑match series against Canada will see the Red Roses travel to Exeter for the first test, before heading to Toronto on October 16 and Ottawa on October 23 for the subsequent fixtures. In addition to the Canadian challenge, England will face New Zealand on September 26 at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, a match that promises to be a marquee encounter between two of the world’s top women’s rugby nations.
A notable storyline for this weekend’s match is the debut start for hooker Bryony Field, who marked her first international appearance with a try in a commanding win over Australia last weekend. Field’s inclusion in the starting front row, alongside veteran prop Hannah Botterman and newcomer prop Maud Muir, signals Mitchell’s confidence in the depth of his forward options.
The front row has been completely reshuffled, offering a fresh platform for the set‑piece to thrive. In the second row, Morwenna Talling returns to the starting lineup, providing physicality and line‑out expertise. The back‑row also features the experienced Sadia Kabeya at flanker, while the scrum‑half role is filled by Lucy Packer, who also crossed the try line against the Wallaroos.
Packer’s quick service and sharp decision‑making will be crucial in linking the forwards with the backline, especially with fly‑half Zoe Harrison positioned outside her to orchestrate the attack. The midfield sees Helena Rowland reinstated alongside captain Megan Jones, restoring a partnership that has previously delivered solid defensive structures and creative attacking options. Rowland’s agility and vision complement Jones’s leadership and tactical awareness, forming a midfield duo capable of breaking the Canadian defensive line. Three players from the Exeter Chiefs—Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati, and Flo Robinson—have earned places in the squad, highlighting the strong connection between the club and the national team.
Their inclusion is particularly fitting as the Red Roses will be playing at Sandy Park, the home ground of the Chiefs, marking the first time the national side has taken the field at this venue since September 2023. The familiar surroundings may provide an extra boost for the local players and add to the atmosphere for the home crowd. Coach Mitchell emphasized the significance of the upcoming 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 underscored the importance of rivalries in rugby, noting that the England‑Canada rivalry has matured into a compelling 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," Mitchell said, highlighting the need for England to continuously improve despite their recent achievements.
The depth of experience within the squad is evident, with the team collectively holding 974 Test caps. Fourteen of the match‑day 23 were part of the World Cup final victory over Canada, underscoring the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent that Mitchell is balancing. This mixture aims to preserve the winning formula while also fostering the development of newer players who can step up when called upon.
The announced starting XV for the Red Roses is as follows: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Bryony Field, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews. The replacements include May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Delaney Burns, Maddie Feaunati, Marlie Packer, Flo Robinson, and Holly Aitchison.
As the Red Roses prepare to take the field at Sandy Park, the anticipation is high. Fans will be eager to see how the new combinations perform, especially the re‑introduction of Breach and Matthews alongside the debutants and returning players. The match promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines England women’s rugby, setting the tone for what could be a fiercely contested series against a formidable Canadian side.