England make nine changes as Red Roses face Canada in WXV World Cup final rematch

John Mitchell has named nine changes to his England Red Roses starting XV for their WXV Global Series fixture against Canada in Exeter, the first of three Tests between the world’s top-ranked side and the third-ranked Canadians over the next five weeks.

The match is a rematch of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final, adding considerable weight to what is already a high-stakes series opener. England arrive off the back of a 48-15 victory over Australia’s Wallaroos, a result that flattered the scoreline after the hosts trailed 10-5 at half-time in Salford before scoring seven second-half tries.

The most significant structural change is an entirely new front row. Hannah Botterman, Bryony Field and Maud Muir all earn starting berths after coming off the bench a week ago. Morwenna Talling is promoted to the second row alongside Lilli Ives Campion, while vice-captain Alex Matthews moves into the No.8 jersey.

In the backs, Zoe Harrison takes over at fly-half, Lucy Packer starts at scrum-half, Helena Rowland is preferred to Tatyana Heard at inside centre, and Jess Breach is named on the wing. Natasha Hunt does not feature in the matchday 23.

Mitchell has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench. Last week’s starters May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Delaney Burns, Maddie Feaunati and Holly Aitchison all drop to supporting roles, with Marlie Packer and Flo Robinson completing the replacements.

“This is the first Test of an exciting three-Test series between the number one and number three teams in the world,” Mitchell said. “You need rivalries in our sport and our rivalry with Canada is one that has evolved to a great level. They are a well-coached team who will bring a different challenge to the one Australia presented. We will be expected to raise our standards.”

England Red Roses matchday 23 v Canada

15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 57 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 39 caps) — captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 52 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 41 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 71 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 45 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
2 Bryony Field (Saracens, 1 cap)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 54 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 30 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 9 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 82 caps) — vice-captain

Replacements: 16 May Campbell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Delaney Burns, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Marlie Packer, 22 Flo Robinson, 23 Holly Aitchison.