England’s elite women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, will field a refreshed lineup for the opening test against Canada on Saturday, with seasoned internationals Jess Breach and Alex Matthews back in the starting XV. 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. This time, Breach will line up on the right wing while Matthews returns to the No. 8 position, providing experience and leadership in the back three and the back row respectively.
Head coach John Mitchell has announced a sweeping nine‑player overhaul for the match, underscoring his intent to keep the squad dynamic and adaptable. The test, which takes place at Exeter’s Sandy Park – the home ground of the Exeter Chiefs – marks the first occasion the Red Roses will play at that venue since September 2023, adding a special home‑field element to the encounter. The series comprises three tests against Canada: the opening fixture in Exeter on Saturday, a second game in Toronto on Friday, 16 October, and a concluding match in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October.
In addition, England will face New Zealand on Saturday, 26 September, at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, as part of a packed autumn calendar that pits the world’s top three women’s teams against each other. Among the notable inclusions is hooker Bryony Field, who announced her arrival on the international stage with a try on debut during the dominant win over Australia last weekend.
Her performance earned her a starting berth in a completely revamped front row that also features prop Hannah Botterman and fellow newcomer Maud Muir. The second‑row sees the return of Morwenna Talling, who will bring physicality and line‑out expertise to the pack. The half‑back pairing also receives fresh faces. Scrum‑half Lucy Packer, who crossed the try line against the Wallaroos, has been named to direct the game from the base of the ruck, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will operate outside her, providing tactical kicking and play‑making options.
In the midfield, Helena Rowland is reinstated alongside captain Meg Jones, creating a balanced combination of defensive solidity and attacking flair. Three players from the Exeter Chiefs – Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – have earned places in the squad, a nod to the club’s growing influence on the national setup and a fitting tribute given the match’s location at Sandy Park. Their familiarity with the venue is expected to be an added advantage.
Speaking before the match, Mitchell highlighted the significance of the series: “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 reflect a respect for Canada’s development while emphasizing England’s ambition to set a new benchmark. The Red Roses squad boasts a cumulative total of 974 test caps, a testament to the depth of experience within the group.
Fourteen of the 23 players selected for the matchday roster were part of the World Cup‑winning side that defeated Canada at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, ensuring a core of proven winners are present on the field. The announced starting XV is as follows: 1.
Hannah Botterman (prop) 2. Bryony Field (hooker) 3. Maud Muir (prop) 4.
Morwenna Talling (lock) 5. Lilli Ives Campion (flanker) 6.
Abi Burton (flanker) 7. Sadia Kabeya (openside) 8.
Alex Matthews (Number 8) 9. Lucy Packer (scrum‑half) 10. Zoe Harrison (fly‑half) 11. Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald (wing) 12.
Helena Rowland (inside centre) 13. Meg Jones (outside centre, captain) 14. Jess Breach (wing) 15. Ellie Kildunne (full‑back) 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 With this blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent, England aims to assert its dominance early in the series, testing Canada’s tactical versatility and physical resilience.
The match promises to be a showcase of high‑quality women's rugby, offering fans a glimpse of the evolving rivalry between two of the sport’s most competitive nations. The outcome will set the tone for the subsequent fixtures in Canada and will be closely watched by analysts and supporters alike as both sides strive for supremacy in the global rankings.