Kildunne to face France in last World Cup warm-up
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has made 11 changes to his starting XV to play France at Stade Guy Boniface on Saturday.
It will be England’s final outing ahead of the home Women’s World Cup kicking off on August 22, following on from a comprehensive 97-7 victory over Spain.
Ellie Kildunne returns at fullback with Abby Dow, Tatyana Heard, and Natasha Hunt promoted from the replacements.
Last five… 🏴🆚🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/1FZqtnxGLc
— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) August 6, 2025
Fresh from scoring against Spain, Jess Breach and Megan Jones retain their spots at 11 and 13 respectively, with Zoe Harrison – who kicked seven conversions – remaining at flyhalf.
Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, and Maud Muir come into the front row with Morwenna Talling joining Abbie Ward in the second row.
Captain Zoe Aldcroft is installed at blindside flanker in a back row containing Sadia Kabeya and Alex Matthews.
Red Roses: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Jess Breach, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt, 8 Alex Matthews, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 6 Zoe Aldcroft, 5 Abbie Ward, 4 Morwenna Talling, 3 Maud Muir, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Hannah Botterman
Replacements: 16 Lark Atkin-Davies, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Maddie Feaunati, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Helena Rowland, 23 Emma Sing
Date: Saturday, August 9
Venue: Mont de Marsan Stadium, France
Kick-off: 21.10 (20.10; 19.10 GMT)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Clara Munarini (Italy), Maria Heitor (Portugal)
TMO: Leo Colgan (Ireland)
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