Red Roses begin 2026 Six Nations preparations
Marlie Packer is part of the England training squad
©PS
England’s Red Roses have returned to national duty for the first time since their Rugby World Cup triumph, assembling at Pennyhill Park on 12 January to begin preparations for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Head coach John Mitchell has named a 47-player training squad as England start a new cycle following their World Cup success at the Allianz Stadium last September.
The camp marks the formal build-up to the Six Nations, with England scheduled to open their campaign against Ireland in April.
The initial squad includes a strong core of senior players who featured prominently during the World Cup, led by captain Marlie Packer, alongside established internationals such as Ellie Kildunne and Alex Matthews.
At the same time, Mitchell has introduced several uncapped players as part of a deliberate regeneration phase.
Trailfinders Women winger Jasmine Adonri and Bristol Bears back Millie David are among those included as the coaching staff look to expand competition across key positions and develop depth for the next four-year cycle.
England are entering this phase following the retirement of long-serving centre Emily Scarratt after the World Cup, with Mitchell emphasising the importance of evolving leadership and standards within the group rather than wholesale change.
“2025 was a memorable year for everyone involved with the Red Roses, and one that will go down in history for rugby in this country,” Mitchell said.
“As we enter a new cycle, this camp will focus on aligning our communication and resetting our culture to win.
“It is natural for a rugby cycle to go through regeneration which presents exciting opportunities for young players over the next four years. The quicker they can adapt and contribute to the environment will enhance their opportunities.”
England squad:
Forwards Lark Atkin-Davies, Maisy Allen, Jasmine Adonri*, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Steph Else*, Maddie Feaunati, Keevy Fitzpatrick*, Rosie Galligan, Lizzie Hanlon, Haidee Head*, Lilli Ives Campion, Hayley Jones*, Sadia Kabeya, Haineala Lutui*, Alex Matthews, Annabel Meta*, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Connie Powell, Zoe Stratford, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward, Nicole Wythe*.
Backs Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Millie David*, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Sophie Hopkins*, Natasha Hunt, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Sarah Parry*, Flo Robinson, Helena Rowland, Jade Shekells, Emma Sing, Mia Venner, Ella Wyrwas.
