England head coach John Mitchell has named his squad, that will be taking on France this Saturday at Kingsholm Stadium. The home of Gloucester Rugby is ready for this seismic clash between the two European heavyweights, with the pre-WXV friendly kicking off the 2024/25 season for both nations.
Back row talent Maddie Feaunati will earn her first international start, having previously
made five appearances in the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, including the Grand Slam-winning encounter against the French back in April.
Of the match day XV that started against Les Bleus in Bordeaux, Mitchell has selected 13 in starting positions once again. The injured duo of back row Sadia Kabeya and centre Megan Jones have been replaced by the aformentioned Feaunati and Loughborough midfielder Helena Rowland.
Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne and Maud Muir continue in the front row, supported by locks Zoe Aldcroft and Morwenna Talling. Marlie Packer captains from openside flanker with Alex Matthews completing the pack at Number 8.
Half-backs Natasha Hunt and Holly Aitchison pair up once more and Rowland joins Tatyana Heard in the centres. The exciting back three of Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow and Jess Breach link up again following a combined 18 tries in their last five matches as a trio.
Under-20 captain Lilli Ives Campion is set for her first cap from the bench and Zoe Harrison could make a 50thouting for her country, seven years on from her Test debut – a 79-5 victory over Canada.
Replacement Sarah Bern returns to the international fold after missing the Six Nations due to injury. Her last appearance was a player-of-the-match display against New Zealand in WXV 1 in November 2024.
“We’re excited to get started after the girls being outstanding in raising their standards and growing their resilience in pre-season,” head coach Mitchell said.
“The girls just want to play, and we have chosen to host world class opponents for us to be challenged and to improve our game heading into WXV and an exciting 2025.”
On playing in Gloucester, he added: “It’s a place that smells of rugby and has a real rugby community.
“I have fond memories of playing for the All Blacks at Kingsholm and winning my first game as Sale coach there. It’s a special place and this weekend the girls have an opportunity to make their own memories together.”
Red Roses team to play France
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 43 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 45 caps)
13 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 29 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 22 caps)
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 38 caps)
10 Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 30 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 72 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 47 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 74 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 30 caps)
4 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 53 caps)
5 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 13 caps)
6 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 104 caps) – captain
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 67 caps)
Replacements
16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 57 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 15 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 61 caps)
19 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
20 Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 65 caps)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 21 caps)
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 49 caps)
23 Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 111 caps)