Mitchell confirms Red Roses squad for WXV 1

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has confirmed his 30-player squad to travel to Canada for the 2024 WXV 1 tournament.

A total of 1,145 caps make up the traveling contingent captained by Marlie Packer. Zoe Aldcroft and Natasha Hunt continue their joint roles as vice-captains.

Elsewhere among the group, uncapped duo Phoebe Murray and Bo Westcombe-Evans are selected for their first senior international tour as are Lilli Ives Campion and Georgia Brock, both of whom earned their first caps in warm-up victories against France and New Zealand respectively.

England head to North America ready to attack the competition after being crowned champions of WXV 1 last year. USA provide the opening round opposition before they go up against the Black Ferns for the second time in three weeks. The Red Roses conclude WXV 1 against hosts Canada.

Mitchell said: “We have selected a strong group of players who have worked hard and smart for each other during the pre-season Test matches.

“We will use the learnings to improve our game and attack the WXV tournament in Canada with great energy. We now look forward to focusing on our preparations for the USA match.”

Red Roses 30-player Squad for WXV 1

Forwards
Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps)
Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 59 caps)
Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)
Georgia Brock (Gloucester-Hartpury, 1 cap)
Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)
Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 76 caps)
Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 8 caps)
Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 16 caps)
Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)
Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 69 caps)
Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps)
Marlie Packer (Saracens, 106 caps)
Connie Powell (Harlequins, 19 caps)
Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 15 caps)
Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)

Backs
Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 32 caps)
Jess Breach (Saracens, 40 caps)
Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 47 caps)
Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 51 caps)
Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 24 caps)
Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 74 caps)
Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 45 caps)
Phoebe Murray (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 23 caps)
Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)
Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 113 caps)
Bo Westcombe-Evans (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, 6 caps)

Red Roses’ WXV 1 Fixtures

Sunday, September 29 – USA v Red Roses
BC Place Stadium, Canada

Sunday, October 6 – New Zealand v Red Roses
Langley Event Centre

Saturday, October 12 – Canada v Red Roses
BC Place Stadium, Canada