Red Roses named to play the Wallaroos in the first round of WXV Global Series 2026

Holly Aitchison is set for her 50th international cap when the Red Roses run out against Australia for the start of their WXV Global Series.

The Southport-born Sale Shark will achieve the milestone at the CorpAcq Stadium - less than 40 miles from her hometown club Firwood Waterloo RFC.

Fly-half Aitchison began her Red Roses journey in a win over New Zealand in 2021 and has accumulated 113 points over the past five years. 

The 28-year-old is one of five changes to the side that began the Grand Slam-crowning Guinness Women’s Six Nations win over France in May. 

May Campbell comes in at hooker, packing down in the front row alongside Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern, while Delaney Burns and Lilli Ives Campion once again partner in the second row. Abi Burton, Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati complete the back row.

Tatyana Heard joins captain Megan Jones in the centre on her return from injury and scrum-half Natasha Hunt is also fit again to start. Wing Mia Venner is selected in the back three alongside Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne.

Among the replacements, Bryony Field is set to run out in a senior England shirt for the first time. A Yorkshire-born hooker with four Under-20s caps, Field has been a stalwart in the JAECOO PWR for a number of years, winning last season’s title with Saracens.

Hannah Botterman is in line for her first appearance in a Red Roses shirt since the 2025 Rugby World Cup final, and Morwenna Talling – another Sale Shark – returns to fold after injury.

Head coach John Mitchell said: “I have very fond memories of the North West from my time with Sale Sharks so it’s awesome to be able to take our game to this part of the country.

“Playing in a different part of the country allows us to be present in the community and keeps the game healthy. You've not only got to be visible, but if you can actually be close to your community, I think that's even better.

“Connection is such an important part of life, but particularly in sport. The girls have worked hard in pre-season to deepen their bond and that will make us stronger on the field.

“We’re excited to get our WXV Global Series underway and aim to excite and entertain."

Elsewhere, Kelsey Clifford has been ruled out of the Red Roses’ home WXV Global Series matches.

The Saracens prop has sustained a hamstring injury and will be replaced by club teammate Liz Crake in the squad.

Clifford will remain as part of the training squad with a view of returning to play on the tour to North America in October.

Red Roses team to play Australia

15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
14 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps) 
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 38) – captain
12 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 36 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps) 
10 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 49 caps) 
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 89 caps) 
1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 28 caps) 
2 May Campbell (Saracens, 5 caps) 
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 84 caps) 
4 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 6 caps) 
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps) 
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 9 caps) 
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps) – vice captain 
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 27 caps)

Replacements

16 Bryony Field (Saracens, uncapped) 
17 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 62 caps) 
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 53 caps) 
19 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 29 caps) 
20 Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 116 caps) 
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 44 caps) 
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 70 caps) 
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 51 caps)