Jess Breach and Alex Matthews are back in the starting lineup for England’s Red Roses as they prepare to meet Canada in the opening fixture of a three‑match WXV series on Saturday. Their return follows pivotal contributions to England’s triumph at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, where the Red Roses edged out Canada in the final. The duo will line up on the right wing and at number eight respectively, bringing experience and a winning pedigree to a side that has undergone a substantial reshuffle under head coach John Mitchell. Mitchell’s selection sees nine changes from the previous match, signalling a fresh tactical approach as England faces a formidable Canadian side.
The series will unfold across three venues: the first test in Exeter on Saturday, a second encounter in Toronto on Friday, 16 October, and a concluding match in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October. In addition, the Red Roses have a further test against New Zealand scheduled for Saturday, 26 September at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, underscoring a packed international calendar.
Among the new faces, hooker Bryony Field earned her first start after marking her international debut with a try in a commanding victory over Australia. She will partner with seasoned front‑row players Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir in a completely altered front row, offering a blend of youthful vigor and proven reliability.
In the second row, Morwenna Talling returns to the starting fifteen, adding depth and physicality to the engine room. The half‑back pairing also sees adjustments. Lucy Packer, who crossed the line against the Wallaroos, is named at scrum‑half, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will operate outside her, tasked with directing the back‑line attack. In the midfield, Helena Rowland re‑enters the fold alongside captain Meg Jones, providing a balanced combination of creativity and leadership.
Three players from Exeter Chiefs – Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – have been selected, a nod to the significance of the venue. The match will be staged at Sandy Park, the home ground of the Chiefs, marking the first time the Red Roses will play a test at that stadium since September 2023. Their inclusion not only bolsters the squad with club familiarity but also highlights the growing partnership between club and country in women’s rugby. Speaking ahead of the game, Mitchell emphasized the importance of the fixture: "This is the first Test of an exciting three‑Test series between the No 1 and No 3 teams in the world.
You need rivalries in our sport and our rivalry with Canada is one that has evolved to a great level. 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." His comments underline the competitive edge of the series and the need for England to elevate their performance against a side that has consistently improved. The England squad boasts an impressive 974 cumulative test caps, reflecting a depth of experience across the roster.
Fourteen of the 23 players selected for the matchday team were part of the World Cup final victory, ensuring that a core group familiar with high‑pressure situations will lead the charge. The full starting XV reads 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 bench includes 16 May Campbell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Delaney Burns, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Marlie Packer, 22 Flo Robinson and 23 Holly Aitchison. Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, the selection reflects a broader strategic vision for England women’s rugby.
By integrating emerging talent like Field and Packer with seasoned campaigners such as Breach, Matthews and Jones, Mitchell aims to build a squad capable of sustaining success beyond a single tournament cycle. The inclusion of club‑aligned players also serves to strengthen the domestic competition, ensuring that the pathways from club to country remain robust. Canada, ranked third globally, will pose a stern test. Their recent performances have shown a blend of physicality and tactical nuance, making them a worthy adversary for the world‑number‑one Red Roses.
The series offers both teams an opportunity to assess their squads ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and to refine their game plans against top‑tier opposition. In summary, the upcoming test at Sandy Park is more than a standalone match; it is a pivotal chapter in a series that will shape the narrative of women’s rugby at the highest level for the remainder of the year.
With nine fresh faces, a blend of World Cup experience, and a strategic emphasis on rivalry and development, England’s Red Roses are poised to deliver a compelling performance against a Canadian side eager to overturn the previous final result. The outcome will set the tone for the remainder of the WXV series and provide valuable insights for both coaching staffs as they look ahead to future international challenges.