Holly Aitchison sarts in Red Roses opener

England begin their Women’s Six Nations campaign with Holly Aitchison selected at fly-half for the opener against Ireland, marking the Red Roses’ first match since lifting the Rugby World Cup in September.

The match will be played at Allianz Stadium, where a near-capacity crowd is expected as England return to the same venue where they secured their world title.

Holly Aitchison Starts At Fly-Half For England

Aitchison has been handed the No. 10 role for the opening fixture as John Mitchell’s side begins a new Six Nations campaign.

Helena Rowland starts in the centres alongside new captain Meg Jones, with injury ruling Tatyana Heard out of the match.

On the wing, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald comes into the side following Abby Dow’s retirement. That selection creates a notable family matchup, with Claudia set to face her wife, Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, in the opening round.

England Forward Pack Sees Fresh Opportunity

England’s second row has also been reshaped, with 22-year-old lock Lilli Ives Campion handed a major chance in the absence of Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan.

On the bench, Haineala Lutui could make her debut. The 19-year-old Loughborough Lightning forward has been the top carrier in PREM Women’s Rugby this season and is one of the younger players pushing for a bigger role in the squad.

Head coach John Mitchell said the team is excited to return to Allianz Stadium in front of a huge crowd and stressed that success in the competition must be earned every time.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be returning to Allianz Stadium in front of our fans for the first time since the 2025 Rugby World Cup final,” head coach Mitchell said.

“We’ve all felt the lasting impact of 2025, and that’s reflected in the incredible ticket sales for Saturday’s match.

“The players relish, and absolutely deserve, the opportunity to perform in front of record crowds, but they also understand the responsibility that comes with that stage."

England XV : 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 Meg Jones (capt.), 14 Jess Breach; 15 Ellie Kildunne.

Reserves: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Abi Burton; 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Emma Sing.