England’s elite women’s rugby side, the Red Roses, will field Jess Breach and Alex Matthews in the starting XV for their opening test against Canada on Saturday, marking the first of a three‑match WXV series. Head coach John Mitchell has overhauled the team, making nine alterations to the lineup, in a bid to sharpen the squad for the demanding schedule ahead.
Both Breach and Matthews were instrumental in England’s triumphant 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign, where the Red Roses edged out Canada in a memorable final. Breach, who will line up on the right wing, brings her trademark speed and finishing ability, while Matthews returns to the No 8 position, offering her powerful ball‑carrying and leadership in the loose forwards. Their experience and proven track record against the Canadians should provide a psychological edge as the two nations, currently ranked first and third in the world respectively, renew their rivalry.
The series will see the Red Roses travel to Canada for two further tests – a Friday fixture in Toronto on 16 October, followed by a match in Ottawa on 23 October – before turning their attention to a high‑profile clash with the Black Ferns on 26 September at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Mitchell’s selection reflects a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, aiming to maintain the high standards set at the World Cup while injecting fresh energy into the squad. One of the standout stories from the recent international window is the debut of hooker Bryony Field, who crossed the try line in her first appearance during England’s dominant victory over the Wallaroos.
Her performance earned her a starting berth in a completely refreshed front row that also features prop Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir. This new front‑row unit promises a dynamic platform for the set‑piece, combining raw power with technical proficiency. In the second row, Morwenna Talling returns to the starting lineup, providing physicality and line‑out expertise.
The back‑row complement includes the returning Alex Matthews at No 8, alongside the likes of Lilli Ives Campion and Abi Burton, who will be tasked with maintaining the high work‑rate that characterized England’s World Cup success. The half‑back pairing also sees notable changes. Scrum‑half Lucy Packer, who notched a try against Australia, has been handed the starting role, while fly‑half Zoe Harrison will operate outside her, orchestrating the attack with her tactical kicking and distribution skills. Their partnership will be crucial in linking the forward dominance with the backline’s flair.
Midfield duties fall to Helena Rowland, who is reinstated alongside captain Megan Jones. Rowland’s defensive solidity and ability to break the line will be vital as England seeks to exploit any gaps in the Canadian defensive structure. The back three will feature the ever‑dangerous Ellie Kildunne on the left wing, with Jess Breach on the opposite flank, providing a potent combination of pace and finishing prowess. Three players from the Exeter Chiefs – Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – have been selected, underscoring the importance of club cohesion as the Red Roses prepare to play at Sandy Park, the home ground of the Chiefs.
This will be the first occasion the national side takes the field at that venue since September 2023, offering a familiar environment for the trio and a chance for the broader squad to experience a different home‑ground atmosphere. Mitchell highlighted the significance of the upcoming series, stating, “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 both the respect afforded to Canada’s progress and the confidence that England must elevate its performance to retain its top‑ranked status. The squad’s depth is evident, with a cumulative 974 test caps among the players, and 14 members of the match‑day 23 having featured in the World Cup final victory over Canada at Twickenham. This blend of experience and youthful ambition is designed to sustain England’s dominance while fostering the development of the next generation of internationals.
The full starting XV for the Saturday test reads as follows: Red Roses: 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. Replacements: 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 the squad now set, all eyes will be on how the new combinations perform against a technically adept Canadian side, and whether England can continue its ascent as the benchmark for women’s rugby globally.