England’s most‑capped active rugby star, Marlie Packer, will be absent from the Red Roses’ upcoming WXV Global Series fixtures in North America later this month. The veteran, who has earned 119 caps and helped England win two World Cups, will stay home with her partner and fellow England teammate Rosie Galligan as Galligan prepares to give birth.
The Red Roses are scheduled to face Canada in two Canadian cities – Toronto on October 17 and Ottawa on October 24 – before travelling to the United States for a showdown with the Eagles in New Jersey on October 30. Packer’s withdrawal leaves a notable gap in the forward pack, but the squad still boasts a deep pool of talent.
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 the English side, which has already endured a demanding September schedule.
In that month England played three high‑profile matches, defeating both Australia and New Zealand and then 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, saying, "Our last two Tests against Canada and New New Zealand have been humdingers that could have gone either way. They were hugely important to our development towards the 2029 World Cup." He added that confronting quality opposition and learning to adapt under pressure are essential for raising the team’s overall standard. Mitchell also emphasized the importance of squad cohesion on tour.
"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 explained. "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 updated squad list for the North American tour, divided into forwards and backs, with club affiliations and cap counts included for context.
Forwards: - 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) Backs: - 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) The loss of Packer, a dynamic back‑row player renowned for her work rate and leadership, will be felt both on the field and in the locker room. However, the Red Roses have a wealth of experience across the pack, with veterans such as Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews providing guidance to emerging talents like Christiana Balogun and Lilli Ives Campion.
The blend of seasoned internationals and fresh faces offers England a chance to test squad depth ahead of the 2029 World Cup cycle. England’s recent form suggests that the team is capable of adapting to the challenges of playing abroad. The tightly contested draw against Canada in Exeter demonstrated that even a dominant side can be pushed to the limit when faced with resilient opposition.
Coach Mitchell’s focus on mental toughness and adaptability will be crucial as the squad navigates the travel, time‑zone changes, and varied playing conditions in North America. The upcoming fixtures also provide a platform for players who missed earlier matches due to injury to stake a claim for future selection. Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen, currently sidelined, will be closely monitored by the medical team, while their replacements will aim to make an impact and secure their places in the long‑term plan.
Off the pitch, the tour will be an opportunity for team‑building activities, community engagements, and media duties that help strengthen the Red Roses’ public profile in key rugby markets. The presence of high‑profile players like Jess Breach and Natasha Hunt will attract attention from fans and sponsors, further promoting women’s rugby in both Canada and the United States.
In summary, while Marlie Packer’s absence is a notable setback, the Red Roses head into the North American leg of the WXV Global Series with a robust squad, clear objectives, and a coach who emphasizes growth through adversity. The matches against Canada and the United States will not only test England’s tactical acumen but also serve as a valuable rehearsal for the challenges that lie ahead in the next World Cup cycle.