England’s most‑capped active player, Marlie Packer, will be absent from the Red Roses’ upcoming fixtures in the WXV Global Series when the side travels to North America later this month. The veteran, who has already earned 119 caps and was a member of two World Cup‑winning squads, will stay home with her partner and fellow England teammate Rosie Galligan as they prepare for the birth of their child. The Red Roses are scheduled to face Canada in Toronto on October 17 and then again in Ottawa on October 24, before concluding the tour with a match against the United States in New Jersey on October 30. Packer’s withdrawal leaves a notable gap in the forward pack, but the squad will still travel with a strong contingent of 32 players, many of whom will be eager to step up and fill the void.
In addition to Packer’s absence, the team will also be without three other key players – Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen – who are sidelined due to injuries. Their combined experience and skill will be missed, but the depth of England’s roster means there are several capable replacements ready to take on greater responsibility. The Red Roses entered September on a busy schedule, playing three matches that saw them defeat both Australia and New Zealand, while drawing 26‑26 with Canada in Exeter. That draw snapped England’s remarkable 39‑match winning streak and highlighted the growing competitiveness of the international women’s game.
Head coach John Mitchell reflected on those performances, describing the tests against Canada and New Zealand as "humdingers" that could have swung either way. He emphasized that such high‑intensity encounters 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 North American tour presents a unique opportunity for the squad to bond further, noting that travelling away from home demands a high degree of togetherness. "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 a detailed look at the players who will be representing England on this tour, divided into forwards and backs, along with their club affiliations and cap counts: 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 absence of Packer, a stalwart of English rugby, will undoubtedly be felt in the line‑up, especially given her leadership qualities and experience in high‑pressure situations.
However, the tour also offers a platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities on the international stage. Players such as Christiana Balogun, who is just beginning her England career, and seasoned campaigners like Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews will be expected to shoulder additional responsibilities. England’s preparation for the North American leg has been intensive. The coaching staff have focused on building a resilient defensive structure while encouraging a more expansive attacking style.
Training sessions have emphasized quick ball recycling, off‑load skills, and set‑piece precision – areas that will be crucial when facing physically demanding opponents like Canada and the United States. The Red Roses’ recent draw against Canada in Exeter was a reminder that the North American side can match England’s intensity when playing at home. That match ended the English team’s unprecedented 39‑match winning run, underscoring the need for continual improvement.
Mitchell’s comments about the importance of “learning to adapt under pressure” reflect a broader strategic vision: England aims not only to win matches but also to develop a squad capable of thriving in diverse conditions, whether on the cold pitches of Europe or the faster, more open fields of North America. Fans can look forward to a tightly contested series.
The first test in Toronto will likely be a physical battle, with Canada’s forward pack eager to test England’s line‑out and breakdown work. The second encounter in Ottawa provides an opportunity for England to adjust tactics based on the first game’s lessons. Finally, the showdown in New Jersey against the USA will test the Red Roses’ ability to execute a high‑tempo game plan against a side known for its athleticism and speed.
Off the field, the tour will also serve as a bonding experience for the squad. Traveling together, sharing meals, and coping with the challenges of being away from home can forge stronger relationships among players. This camaraderie is a key component of Mitchell’s philosophy, as he believes that a united group can better handle the mental and physical demands of elite competition. In summary, while Marlie Packer’s maternity leave means she will miss the North American fixtures, England’s Red Roses remain a formidable force with a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
The upcoming matches against Canada, Canada again, and the United States will be crucial stepping stones on the road to the 2029 World Cup, offering valuable experience, testing squad depth, and reinforcing the team’s collective resolve to compete at the highest level.