England’s most‑capped active player, Marlie Packer, will be absent from the Red Roses’ upcoming WXV Global Series fixtures in North America, which are scheduled for later this month against Canada and the United States. The veteran, a two‑time World Cup champion who has earned 119 caps for England, will remain in the UK to support her partner and fellow England teammate Rosie Galligan as she prepares for the birth of their child.
The Red Roses are set to face Canada in two matches – first in Toronto on October 17 and then in Ottawa on October 24 – before traveling to New Jersey for a clash with the United States on October 30. Packer’s withdrawal means the squad will be without one of its most experienced forwards, but the team will still travel with a full contingent of 32 players, each eager to prove themselves on foreign soil. In addition to Packer’s unavailability, the squad has also been hit by injuries. Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen have all been ruled out, further testing the depth of England’s talent pool.
Despite these setbacks, the Red Roses entered September with a busy programme, securing victories over Australia and New Zealand and drawing 26‑26 with Canada in Exeter – a result that snapped England’s remarkable 39‑match winning streak. Head coach John Mitchell reflected on the recent performances, noting that the last two Tests against Canada and New Zealand were “humdingers” that could have swung either way. He stressed that such high‑intensity contests are vital for the team’s development as they look ahead to the 2029 World Cup. “Playing quality opposition and learning to adapt under pressure will help us raise our level and improve our game,” Mitchell said.
He added that the tour of North America offers a unique chance for the squad to strengthen its bonds, as travelling and competing away from home demands a high degree of unity. “The 32 players travelling to North America have a great opportunity to elevate our connections as a squad because playing away from home requires togetherness,” Mitchell continued. “We have shown a real hunger to compete and improve, and we’re excited to rip into our preparations and continue our rivalry with Canada in Toronto.” Below is the revised squad list that will accompany the Red Roses on the North American leg of the WXV Global Series. The forwards group features a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent: - Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears, 1 cap) - Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 87 caps) - Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 65 caps) - Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 12 caps) - May Campbell (Saracens, 7 caps) - Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester‑Hartpury, 31 caps) - Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 25 caps) - Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, vice‑captain, 94 caps) - Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps) - Bryony Field (Saracens, 3 caps) - Daisy Hibbert‑Jones (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap) - Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 11 caps) - Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps) - Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps) - Alex Matthews (Gloucester‑Hartpury, vice‑captain, 84 caps) - Maud Muir (Gloucester‑Hartpury, 56 caps) - Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 4 caps) - Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 32 caps) The backline also boasts a strong mix of experience and youth: - Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 50 caps) - Jess Breach (Saracens, 59 caps) - Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 73 caps) - Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 37 caps) - Natasha Hunt (Gloucester‑Hartpury, 91 caps) - Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, captain, 41 caps)\n- Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 65 caps) - Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps) - Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 47 caps) - Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps) - Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 54 caps) - Emma Sing (Gloucester‑Hartpury, 17 caps) - Mia Venner (Gloucester‑Hartpury, 5 caps) - Bo Westcombe‑Evans (Trailfinders Women, 2 caps) While the loss of Packer is a significant blow, the depth of the squad ensures that England can still field a competitive side.
The upcoming matches will serve as a crucial testing ground for the newer players, allowing them to gain valuable international experience and to showcase their abilities on a global stage. Moreover, the tour will provide the coaching staff with a clearer picture of the talent pool available for future tournaments, including the long‑term goal of the 2029 World Cup. In summary, the Red Roses are heading to North America with a blend of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and a clear mission: to continue building momentum, refine their tactics, and strengthen the camaraderie that is essential for success in high‑pressure environments. The team’s resilience in the face of injuries and personal circumstances underscores the depth of English women’s rugby and its capacity to adapt, grow, and remain competitive at the highest level.