Jess Breach and Alex Matthews return to start for England’s Red Roses against Canada in the first of three WXV Tests between the sides on Saturday, as head coach John Mitchell makes nine changes.
Breach and Matthews, both of whom played major roles in 2025’s Women’s Rugby World Cup glory – as England beat Canada in the final – come into the side on the right wing and at No 8 respectively.
Mitchell’s side face Canada in Tests on Saturday in Exeter, Friday October 16 in Toronto, and Friday October 23 in Ottawa. They also face New Zealand on Saturday September 26 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Hooker Bryony Field scored on her international debut last weekend in the dominant win over Australia and earns a maiden start in an all-changed front row featuring Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir. Morwenna Talling is also back among the starting contingent from the second row.
Meg Jones (left) captains England again as Alex Matthews (centre), Jess Breach (right) return to the side vs Canada
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 Meg 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 September 2023.
“This is the first Test of an exciting three-Test series between the No 1 and No 3 teams in the world,” head coach Mitchell said.
No 8 Alex Matthews scored two tries in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final success vs Canada
“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’s squad contains 974 Test caps, while 14 players in the matchday 23 were involved in the World Cup final triumph over Canada at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
England wing Jess Breach returns on the wing for the visit of Canada to Exeter
Red Roses team to play Canada
Red Roses: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Bryony Field, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Alex Matthews.
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.