Shekells to start as England make nine changes for Scotland clash

England head coach John Mitchell has made nine changes to his starting XV ahead of their Women’s Six Nations clash against Scotland in Leicester, handing Gloucester-Hartpury centre Jade Shekells her first start for the Red Roses.

The 28-year-old, who represented Great Britain in Sevens at last year’s Paris Olympics, made her England debut off the bench in round one against Italy. She now gets the nod to start in the midfield as England continue their campaign for a seventh consecutive Six Nations title.

Another major return sees experienced open-side flanker Marlie Packer back in the line-up. The former England captain, who is just one try short of reaching 50 for her country, had been absent since the tournament opener in York.

In her place, Zoe Aldcroft took over the captaincy in January and continues to lead the side from blind-side flanker, maintaining her record as the only England player to start every match in this championship.

Maddie Feaunati returns to the starting line-up at number eight after a strong showing in the opening two games. She replaces Alex Matthews, who had started against Ireland in last week’s comfortable win.

In the engine room, Rosie Galligan steps in for Morwenna Talling to join Abbie Ward in the second row. Front-row changes see Sarah Bern and Kelsey Clifford elevated to starting roles after scoring tries off the bench against Ireland. Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir shift to the replacements bench.

Due to a pectoral injury scare for Amy Cockayne, Saracens hooker May Campbell is included on the bench and could make just her third international appearance.

England will face a Scotland side reeling from a 25-17 home loss to Italy, with their only win this tournament coming against Wales in the opening round.

England, meanwhile, are three bonus-point wins into their campaign. A win at home on Saturday, combined with a French loss in Italy, would secure yet another Six Nations title ahead of this year’s home Rugby World Cup starting in August.

England Starting XV: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Shekells, MacDonald; Aitchison, L Packer; Clifford, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Galligan, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), M Packer, Feaunati.

Reserves: Campbell, Botterman, Muir, Talling, Matthews, Hunt, Rowland, Scarratt.