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Rugby World Cup-winning duo Jess Breach and Alex Matthews return to the starting XV as head John Mitchell makes nine changes for the first of three Test matches against Canada in the WXV Global Series.
An ever-present in the 2025 Rugby World Cup, Breach is back on the wing while Matthews – a two-try hero in the final victory over the Canadians – resumes her role as vice-captain from Number 8.
Hooker Bryony Field scored on her international debut last weekend in the win over Australia and earns a maiden start in an all-changed front row, including Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir. Morwenna Talling is also back amongst the starting contingent from the second row.
Lucy Packer - another try scorer against the Wallaroos - is named at scrum-half with fly-half Zoe Harrison outside her. Helena Rowland is reinstated to the midfield alongside captain Megan Jones.
Three Exeter Chiefs players – Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – are in the squad as the Red Roses prepare to play at their club stadium, Sandy Park, for the first time since defeating Canada there in September 2023 by a 50-24 scoreline.
The squad contains 974 England caps while 14 players in the matchday 23 were involved in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final triumph at Allianz Stadium.
"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.”
Red Roses team to play Canada
15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 57 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 39) – 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 (Saracens, 6 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 29 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 85 caps)
19 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 28 caps)
21 Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 117 caps)
22 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
23 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 50 caps)
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