Red Roses vs Australia: England name team for opening WXV Global Series home match with Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt back from injury
Five changes to John Mitchell's side in first match since the end of the Women's Six Nations in May; England begin new WXV Global Series with three home matches this month against Australia, Canada and New Zealand
Thursday 10 September 2026 14:35, UK
The Red Roses have named their side to face Australia on Saturday in the first match of the home leg of the WXV Global Series.
Head coach John Mitchell has made five changes from England's last match against France in May, when they secured their fifth successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam.
World Cup winners Tatyana Heard (centre) and Natasha Hunt (scrum-half) return from injury to reclaim places in the XV.
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Fly-half Holly Aitchison comes in to win her 50th international cap, May Campbell is selected at hooker and Wing Mia Venner forms the back three with Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne.
Hannah Botterman, who missed the entire Six Nations, and Morwenna Talling are also available again and are named among the replacements.
Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford has been ruled out of the entire WXV series because of a hamstring injury, with Liz Crake called up to the squad to replace her.
Saturday's match against Australia takes place at CorpAcq Stadium, the home of the Gallagher Prem's Sale Sharks.
Mitchell, who had two stints at Sale, 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 under way and aim to excite and entertain."
The 2026 season is the inaugural edition of the WXV Global Series. The 12 participating nations are fixed for the 2026-2028 cycle, with no promotion or relegation.
England next play Canada in a repeat of their 2025 World Cup final clash at Sandy Park, Exeter, on September 19 before facing New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on September 26.
The Red Roses tour Canada and the United States as part of the series in October.
England team to play Australia
15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Mia Venner, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Natasha Hunt; 1 Mackenzie Carson, 2 May Campbell, 3 Sarah Bern, 4 Delaney Burns. 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Abi Burton, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Maddie Feaunati.
Replacements: 16 Bryony Field, 17 Hannah Botterman, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Morwenna Talling, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Helena Rowland.
