Red Roses make four changes for Canada Test in Toronto

Red Roses make four changes for Canada Test in Toronto

England have made four changes to their starting XV for Friday’s WXV Global Series clash against Canada, with vice-captain Amy Cokayne returning to the matchday squad.

The Red Roses travel to BMO Field in Toronto for the second instalment of their Test series against Canada, following their dramatic victory over New Zealand at Allianz Stadium.

Cokayne, who plays her club rugby for Sale Sharks, missed England’s recent home fixtures through injury and returns at hooker. She is joined in the starting line-up by club teammate Tatyana Heard, who comes into the midfield.

Bristol Bears prop Hannah Botterman and Trailfinders Women forward Abi Burton are the other additions to the starting XV, with England making four changes in total from the side that edged out the Black Ferns.

There are also opportunities for two players among the replacements. Bristol Bears’ Demelza Short is named on the bench for the first time in the WXV Global Series, while Loughborough Lightning back-rower Sadia Kabeya returns to the matchday 23 after missing the New Zealand fixture.

The Toronto encounter is set to attract a record crowd for a standalone women's rugby match in North America, providing a significant occasion for both sides as the series continues.

Mitchell targets further progress

England head coach John Mitchell believes the opening stages of the tour offer another opportunity for his side to develop under pressure as they build towards 2029.

Reflecting on the previous Test against Canada in Exeter, Mitchell highlighted the value of the contest in identifying areas for improvement. He also stressed the importance of strengthening team cohesion and adapting to the different challenges presented by playing overseas.

The head coach added that England were looking forward to testing themselves in Toronto, with the focus firmly on improving their performance and continuing to develop as a team.

Red Roses team to face Canada

Starting XV

15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 65 caps) 
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 59 caps) 
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 41 caps) - captain 
12 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 37 caps) 
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps) 
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 73 caps) 
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 47 caps) 
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 65 caps) 
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 94 caps) – vice captain 
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 87 caps) 
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 32 caps) 
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 11 caps) 
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 12 caps) 
7 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 84 caps) - vice captain 
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps)

Replacements

16 Bryony Field (Saracens, 3 caps) 
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 31 caps) 
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 56 caps) 
19 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 4 caps) 
20 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps) 
21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 91 caps) 
22 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 54 caps) 
23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)