Muir and Short set for Red Roses milestones against Scotland

by The TRU Team Thursday 16 April 2026

Maud Muir is set to earn her 50th cap

©Lizzy Terry/TEZ.PHOTOG

Maud Muir is set to reach a significant milestone this weekend, earning her 50th international cap as England face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, in what is among the latest sports news headlines, while Demelza Short is in line to make her debut and become Red Rose #269.

Muir, still only 20 when she broke onto the scene in 2021, made an immediate impression with her debut in a 43–12 victory over New Zealand. Since then, the Gloucester-Hartpury prop has cemented her place at the heart of the Red Roses pack, playing a key role in multiple Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam triumphs and England’s World Cup success. Her impact has also been recognised globally, with back-to-back selections in the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

Short, a Bristol Bears forward, takes her first step onto the international stage at blindside flanker. The 19-year-old impressed in the Premiership Women’s Rugby and earned a place in England’s Under-21 camp earlier this year, leading to her senior call-up ahead of the Six Nations.

Head coach John Mitchell has made several changes to the side that opened their 2026 campaign with a record-breaking win over Ireland at Allianz Stadium. Emma Sing comes into the starting XV at full-back, prompting a positional switch for Ellie Kildunne to the wing, while Zoe Harrison returns at fly-half.

In the pack, Abi Burton partners Lilli Ives Campion in the second row, with Maddie Feaunati shifting to number eight. Experience remains in reserve, with centurion Marlie Packer joined on the bench by Exeter Chiefs scrum-half Flo Robinson and Gloucester-Hartpury wing Mia Venner.

Mitchell reflected on last week’s performance as a strong foundation but stressed the need for continued improvement.

“Last week was a positive start for us at home against Ireland. It was a special occasion to open the tournament at Allianz and a great opportunity for this group to come together, but we know there’s plenty we can improve,” he said.

“We’ve had to adapt to a number of changes with injuries to teammates who are hugely valued within the group, but that’s part of the culture we’re building. It creates opportunities for others to step up and highlights the depth we’re continuing to grow.”

Looking ahead to the trip north, Mitchell expects a memorable occasion in Edinburgh.

“We’re expecting a brilliant atmosphere in Scotland, and it’s fantastic to see the game continuing to grow, with what will be a record crowd for a standalone women’s sporting event there. It sets the stage for a great contest on Saturday.

England XV to face Scotland
15 Emma Sing
14 Jess Breach
13 Megan Jones (c)
12 Helena Rowland
11 Ellie Kildunne
10 Zoe Harrison
9 Lucy Packer
1 Kelsey Clifford
2 Amy Cokayne
3 Maud Muir
4 Abi Burton
5 Lilli Ives Campion
6 Demelza Short
7 Sadia Kabeya
8 Maddie Feaunati

Replacements
16 Connie Powell
17 Mackenzie Carson
18 Sarah Bern
19 Haineala Lutui
20 Marlie Packer
21 Flo Robinson
22 Holly Aitchison
23 Mia Venner