England’s most‑experienced 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. The 119‑cap veteran, a two‑time World Cup champion, will stay home in England alongside her partner and fellow England teammate Rosie Galligan as Galligan prepares to give birth. 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 showdown with the United States on October 30. Packer’s withdrawal leaves a notable gap in the forward pack, but the squad will still travel with a full complement of 32 players, aiming to build cohesion and resilience on foreign soil.
In addition to Packer’s absence, three other players have been ruled out through injury: Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen. Their injuries further test the depth of England’s roster, but the coaching staff remain confident that the remaining squad members can step up and maintain the team’s high standards. The Red Roses entered September on a strong note, securing victories over Australia and New Zealand, and then drawing 26‑26 with Canada in Exeter.
That draw snapped England’s remarkable 39‑match winning streak, reminding everyone that the competition at the top of women’s rugby is intensifying. Head coach John Mitchell reflected on the significance of those recent tests, saying, “Our last two Tests against Canada and New Zealand have been humdingers that could have gone either way. They were hugely important to our development towards the 2029 World Cup.” Mitchell continued, emphasizing the value of facing quality opposition under pressure: “Playing quality opposition and learning to adapt under pressure will help us raise our level and improve our game. 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.” He added, “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.” The squad list for the North American tour is extensive, showcasing a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent.
Among the forwards, the lineup includes: - 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 features a similarly impressive roster: - 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) - 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 Packer’s absence is a disappointment for fans, it also provides an opportunity for other forwards to assume greater responsibility in the lineout, scrum, and breakdown. Players such as Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews, both seasoned leaders, are expected to guide the pack and ensure continuity in set‑piece execution. Younger forwards like Christiana Balogun and Lilli Ives Campion will gain valuable experience against North American opposition, accelerating their development ahead of future World Cup campaigns. The North American leg of the WXV Global Series is more than just a series of matches; it serves as a critical testing ground for England’s tactical evolution.
The team will experiment with new attacking patterns, defensive structures, and leadership models, all while adapting to different climates, time zones, and playing surfaces. Such exposure is essential for building the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level.
Beyond the on‑field challenges, the tour offers cultural exchange and the chance to promote women’s rugby in markets where the sport is still growing. Engaging with local fans in Toronto, Ottawa, and New Jersey helps raise the profile of the Red Roses and inspires the next generation of players.
The squad’s presence also provides valuable media coverage, encouraging sponsors and broadcasters to invest further in the women’s game. In summary, although Marlie Packer will miss the North American fixtures due to her partner’s upcoming childbirth, the England women’s rugby team remains well‑stocked with talent and depth.
Coach Mitchell’s emphasis on learning from high‑quality opposition, fostering squad unity, and maintaining a hunger for improvement sets a clear roadmap for the upcoming matches. The Red Roses will aim to build on their September performances, seek victories against Canada and the United States, and continue their march toward the 2029 World Cup with confidence and ambition.