England vs Australia: Red Roses begin WXV Global Series as world champions

The Red Roses continue their reign as world champions this weekend when they welcome Australia to Salford for the opening match of the new WXV Global Series.

England enter a new era of WXV rugby after the competition was reshaped following the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The previous three-tier structure has been replaced by a two-level system, with the world’s top 12 sides competing across an eight-week window from September to October.

For England, the opening three fixtures will all be played on home soil.

Australia are first up at CorpAcq Stadium on Saturday, followed by 2025 World Cup finalists Canada at Sandy Park on September 19th and six-time world champions New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on September 26th.

John Mitchell's side will then play Canada twice away from home before finishing against the USA.

There is also another significant change for the Red Roses to get used to.

A new ball for a new era

World Rugby is introducing a bespoke 4.5-size ball for the WXV Global Series, with the new ball three per cent smaller than a standard size five while retaining the same weight.

The trial, developed specifically for the women’s game, is intended to provide a better platform for showcasing handling skills.

The ball has already prompted plenty of discussion, with England fly-half Zoe Harrison previously describing its introduction as the “worst decision someone has ever made”.

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Captain Meg Jones has taken a more measured view, saying this week that the smaller ball “rewards perfection”, with the reduced size leaving a smaller margin for error when passing.

The Red Roses will therefore be among the first teams to put the new ball through its paces in elite international 15s rugby.

England looking to build on Grand Slam success

John Mitchell’s side most recently lifted the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations Championship, securing an eighth consecutive title and a fifth straight Grand Slam.

Their achievement was sealed in style in May, when England overcame France 43-28 in Bordeaux to finish the Championship unbeaten.

That campaign was played against the backdrop of a significant injury list, with England losing close to 17 players at different stages. Hannah Botterman was among those ruled out, while several other key players were unavailable at various points.

The picture is considerably brighter this time around.

The Red Roses have had the summer to recover and regroup, with a number of their World Cup-winning players returning to the squad.

Captain Meg Jones starts at inside centre against Australia, with Tatyana Heard alongside her. Ellie Kildunne is named at full-back, with Mia Venner and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald on the wings.

Holly Aitchison will win her 50th England cap at her home ground, while Natasha Hunt returns at scrum-half following her recovery from injury.

Up front, Mackenzie Carson, May Campbell and Sarah Bern form the front row, with Delaney Burns and Lilli Ives Campion in the second row.

Abi Burton, Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati complete the starting pack.

Botterman is among the replacements and is set to make her first appearance since the 2025 World Cup final. Her return provides England with another powerful option from the bench, while uncapped Saracens hooker Bryony Field is in line for her international debut.

Ones to watch

Delaney Burns

Delaney Burns has had to be patient for her latest opportunity with England.

The Bristol Bears lock made her international debut during the 2023 Six Nations before returning to the squad as injury cover during this year’s Championship, when England’s second-row options were stretched.

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She made her first appearance since 2023 against Wales and has continued to impress with her physicality, work rate and willingness to step up when required.

With another opportunity to establish herself at Test level, Burns will be one to watch as the Red Roses begin their new WXV campaign.

Hannah Botterman

A powerful presence in England’s front row, Hannah Botterman brings experience, physicality and plenty of energy to the Red Roses pack.

A Grand Slam and WXV winner, the Bristol Bears prop is a formidable presence at the set-piece and equally effective in the loose.

After missing the Six Nations through injury, Botterman’s return provides England with another powerful option up front. Named among the replacements against Australia, she will be hoping to make her mark as she continues her return to full fitness.

Natasha Hunt

It’s exciting to see Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt back in the number nine shirt after her spell on the sidelines through injury during this year’s Six Nations.

One of the Red Roses’ most experienced scrum-halves with 89 caps to her name, Hunt brings composure, quick service and an infectious energy to the backline.

Her ability to control the tempo and make things happen around the breakdown makes her a constant threat, while her experience will be invaluable as England begin their WXV Global Series campaign. Her return adds another dynamic option to the Red Roses' attack.

England face Australia at CorpAcq Stadium at 3pm. The match will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.

England

Kildunne; Venner, Jones, Heard, Moloney-MacDonald; Aitchison, Hunt; Carson, Campbell, Bern, Burns, Ives Campion, Burton, Kabeya, Feaunati.

Replacements: Field, Botterman, Muir, Talling, Packer, Harrison, Rowland.

Australia

Halse; Whitaker, Friedrichs, Moleka, Miller; Ellis, Wood; Hoy, Merlo, Pohiva, Leaney, Leonard, Tapsell, Bone, Palu Sekona.

Replacements: Naden, Sikimeti, Karpani, Bemrose, Duck, Chancellor, Hinds, Smith.