England’s most‑capped active player, Marlie Packer, will be absent from the Red Roses’ upcoming WXV Global Series fixtures in North America later this month. The two‑time World Cup champion, who has earned 119 caps for England, will stay home with her partner and fellow Red Roses teammate Rosie Galligan as Galligan prepares for the birth of their child. The Red Roses are scheduled to face Canada in Toronto on October 17 and again in Ottawa on October 24, before travelling to New Jersey for a showdown with the United States on October 30.
Packer’s withdrawal means the squad will be without one of its most experienced forwards as they take on two of the sport’s strongest opposition. In addition to Packer’s absence, the squad has been hit by injury setbacks.
Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen have all been ruled out and will miss the North American leg of the tour. Their injuries further thin the forward pack and require other players to step up. The Red Roses entered September with a busy programme, playing three matches that saw them defeat Australia and New Zealand, while sharing a 26‑26 draw with Canada in Exeter.
That draw snapped England’s remarkable 39‑match winning streak and reminded everyone that the team can be challenged by any opponent. Head coach John Mitchell reflected on the recent test matches, 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.” He added that facing high‑quality opposition and learning to adapt under pressure is essential for raising the team’s overall level. Mitchell also highlighted the importance of the upcoming tour, noting, “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.
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 provisional squad list for the North American tour, split into forwards and backs, along with each player’s club affiliation and cap count: 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 England’s forward pack, will be felt not only in the set‑piece but also in the leadership she provides on the field. Her experience in World Cup finals and numerous Six Nations campaigns has been a cornerstone of England’s recent dominance.
However, the depth of the squad means other players will have the chance to fill the leadership void. Amy Cokayne, as vice‑captain, and Alex Matthews, also a vice‑captain, are expected to shoulder additional responsibilities, guiding younger forwards such as Christiana Balogun and Daisy Hibbert‑Jones as they gain valuable international experience. The tour will also serve as a critical test ahead of the 2029 Rugby World Cup. Playing in North America presents unique challenges: different climates, travel fatigue, and the need to quickly adapt to unfamiliar venues.
Mitchell believes these conditions will forge stronger bonds within the group and sharpen the team’s mental resilience. The Red Roses will need to demonstrate cohesion in the line‑out, scrum dominance, and defensive organization against physically robust teams like Canada and the United States. Canada, playing at home in Toronto and Ottawa, will be eager to avenge the September draw. Their forward pack is known for aggressive tackling and a high work‑rate, while their backline combines speed with tactical kicking.
The United States, on the other hand, brings a fast‑paced, attacking style that tests defensive structures. England’s ability to adjust tactics on the fly will be a key indicator of progress. Beyond the immediate matches, the tour offers a platform for emerging talent to stake a claim for future selection.
Players such as Mackenzie Carson, who has already amassed 31 caps, will look to cement a regular starting role, while newcomers like Lilli Ives Campion and Sadia Kabeya will aim to translate club form into international impact. In the backs, the likes of Jess Breach and Zoe Harrison will be tasked with creating scoring opportunities, while the experienced Natasha Hunt and Megan Jones will provide stability and strategic kicking. In summary, while Marlie Packer’s absence is a notable setback, the Red Roses head into North America with a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers. The tour will be a decisive step in their preparation for upcoming global competitions, offering both a test of skill and an opportunity to strengthen squad unity under pressure.