Emily Scarratt named in Red Roses Women's Rugby World Cup squad

Veteran centre Emily Scarratt has been named in England’s 32-player squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, marking her fifth appearance at the tournament.

The 35-year-old returns to the squad after recovering from a serious neck injury that had sidelined her for over a year and nearly ended her playing career.

Scarratt, the Red Roses' all-time leading points scorer, will be a crucial figure as England hosts the competition starting next month. The squad also sees the return of experienced scrum-half Natasha Hunt, who was unexpectedly left out of the 2022 tournament.

Head coach John Mitchell has opted for a squad loaded with experience, featuring 24 players who have previously played in a World Cup. “We’ve gone for a strong mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent who can challenge the best,” Mitchell said.

Zoe Aldcroft will lead the side as captain in her third World Cup, with support from vice-captains Marlie Packer—part of the 2014 World Cup-winning team—and Olympian Megan Jones.

"It is a rare and awesome opportunity for this group to represent the Red Roses at a home World Cup," Mitchell added.

"The selection process is never easy. It's been a thorough two-year process to select the right blend of positional cover, skill, mindset and connection - we believe this is a squad that can win the World Cup.

"Every experience and challenge has brought the 32 to this point in their life and career, and they have all earned their place. They should be proud of the opportunity to create history together, whilst knowing we have to earn the right to progress throughout the World Cup.

"We're excited by what's to come and we'll continue to work hard into the tournament with our focus on preparing for our opening match against USA in less than a month's time."

The Red Roses begin their preparations with a warm-up match against Spain on August 2 in Leicester.

Their World Cup campaign kicks off against the USA on August 22 at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. They will then face Samoa in Northampton on August 30, followed by a high-stakes encounter with Australia in Brighton on September 6.

New faces in the squad include Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Feaunati, Lilli Ives Campion, Jade Shekells, and Emma Sing—all set for their first World Cup appearance.

England enters the tournament as the top-ranked team in the world after winning 25 consecutive matches, including a fourth successive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam secured earlier this year.

The home tournament marks a major opportunity for the Red Roses to reclaim the world title, which they last won in 2014.

England World Cup squad:

Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, captain), Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears), Abi Burton (Trailfinders), May Campbell (Saracens), Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury), Kelsey Clifford (Saracens), Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks), Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs), Rosie Galligan (Saracens), Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), Marlie Packer (Saracens), Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears).

Backs: Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks), Jess Breach (Saracens), Abby Dow (Unattached), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury), Megan Jones (Trailfinders), Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Lucy Packer (Harlequins), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning), Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury).