England’s head coach John Mitchell has selected a seasoned lineup for their Women’s Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday.
This match marks their first appearance since clinching the World Cup at Twickenham in September, with Mitchell naming a prominent starting XV to kick off their title defense, featuring only one debutant, Haineala Lutui.
The 19-year-old back-row player Lutui will receive her first Test cap from the substitutes’ bench.
Meg Jones will lead the team from the centre position, while Zoe Stratford announced last month that she will be absent from the tournament due to her pregnancy.
Stratford is one of four England players who have announced pregnancies since the team’s World Cup victory in September. Teammates Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer revealed on Wednesday that they are both expecting a child.
Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward are also anticipating new arrivals.
Maddie Feaunati will start at blindside flanker, joining Sadia Kabeya and Alex Matthews in the back-row.
Kelsey Clifford will play alongside experienced players Amy Cokayne and Sarah Bern in the front row, with Lilli Ives Campion and Maddie Feaunati positioned behind them in the scrum.
In the backline, Lucy Packer will start over Natasha Hunt alongside fly-half Zoe Harrison. Jones is paired with Helena Rowland, while fullback Ellie Kildunne will be supported by wingers Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald in the back three.
“We have all experienced the lasting effects of 2025, which is evident in the remarkable ticket sales for Saturday’s match,” Mitchell stated.
“The players are eager for, and truly deserve, the chance to showcase their skills in front of record audiences, but they also recognize the responsibility that comes with such a platform.
“We understand that success in this competition is never guaranteed; it must be earned each time. We have prepared thoroughly as a team, and the players are ready to fully express themselves. We are excited to begin.”
England XV vs. Ireland
1. Kelsey Clifford, 2. Amy Cokayne, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Morwenna Talling, 5. Lilli Ives Campion, 6. Maddie Feaunati, 7. Sadia Kabeya, 8. Alex Matthews, 9. Lucy Packer, 10. Holly Aitchison, 11. Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 12. Helena Rowland, 13. Megan Jones (captain), 14. Jess Breach, 15. Ellie Kildunne.
Replacements:
16. Connie Powell, 17. Mackenzie Carson, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Haineala Lutui, 20. Abi Burton, 21. Natasha Hunt, 22. Zoe Harrison, 23. Emma Sing.
