England’s elite women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, will welcome back two of their most celebrated players for the opening match of a three‑test series against Canada. Wingers Jess Breach and No. 8 Alex Matthews, both instrumental in England’s triumphant campaign at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, have been recalled to the starting XV for the Saturday fixture in Exeter. Their return comes as head coach John Mitchell has introduced a sweeping nine‑player overhaul, signalling a fresh tactical approach for the series.
Breach, who dazzles on the right wing with her blistering pace and incisive footwork, and Matthews, a powerhouse in the back row known for her ball‑carrying strength and defensive tenacity, will be pivotal in England’s strategy to re‑assert dominance over a Canadian side that currently sits third in the world rankings. Both athletes featured prominently in the 2025 World Cup final, where England overcame Canada at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium to claim the title.
Their experience and leadership will be crucial as the Red Roses aim to start the series on a high note. The three‑test series will see England travel to North America after the Exeter clash, with a second test scheduled for Friday, 16 October, in Toronto, and a concluding match on Friday, 23 October, in Ottawa. In addition to the Canadian tour, the Red Roses have a high‑profile encounter with New Zealand slated for Saturday, 26 September, at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, providing a stern test against the world’s top‑ranked side.
Among the fresh faces in Mitchell’s revamped lineup is hooker Bryony Field, who marked her international debut with a try in the recent dominant victory over Australia. Her performance earned her a starting role in a completely new front row, joining seasoned props Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir.
The second row also sees the return of Morwenna Talling, who will bring her physicality and line‑out expertise to the pack. The half‑back pairing has also been reshuffled.
Scrum‑half Lucy Packer, another try‑scorer from the Wallaroos match, has been handed the No. 9 jersey, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will operate outside her, providing the creative spark and tactical kicking required to unlock opposition defenses. In the midfield, Helena Rowland has been reinstated alongside captain Megan Jones, forming a balanced combination of experience and attacking flair.
Three players from Exeter Chiefs – Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – have been selected, underscoring the significance of playing at their home ground, Sandy Park, for the first time since September 2023. Their familiarity with the venue is expected to give the Red Roses a subtle edge in front‑row engagements and set‑piece execution. Coach Mitchell emphasized the importance of this 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 highlighted the evolving rivalry with Canada, noting that "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." The squad boasts a combined total of 974 test caps, reflecting the depth of experience within the group. Notably, 14 of the 23 players named in the matchday squad were part of the World Cup final triumph, illustrating the continuity of talent that underpins England’s sustained success.
The full starting line‑up for the Red Roses 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 8) The replacements include: - 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 offers a platform for emerging talent to cement their places alongside established stars. Players like Bryony Field and Lucy Packer have already demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, and their continued inclusion signals a strategic move to blend youthful exuberance with veteran composure. This approach aims to ensure that England remains at the forefront of women’s rugby, not only through current success but also by cultivating the next generation of world‑class athletes. The upcoming matches will test England’s adaptability across different conditions – from the familiar English climate in Exeter to the varied weather patterns of Canadian venues.
Moreover, the strategic rotations and nine‑player changes introduced by Mitchell reflect a desire to keep opponents guessing, while also managing player workload ahead of the demanding New Zealand test. Overall, the Red Roses enter this series with a clear objective: to assert their dominance, refine their game plan, and continue building on the momentum generated by their World Cup victory. With a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers, England is well‑positioned to deliver a compelling performance against a formidable Canadian side, setting the stage for an enthralling summer of international women’s rugby.