The Red Roses are gearing up for a new era, and it’s not just about defending their title—it’s about redefining what’s possible in women’s rugby. With 11 uncapped players joining the pre-Six Nations squad, England’s coaching staff is boldly reshaping the team’s future. Among these fresh faces is Sophie Hopkins, an England Under-20s wing who’s juggling a biochemistry degree with a season at French powerhouse Lyon. But here’s where it gets exciting: Hopkins isn’t alone in her quest for a first cap. Four Trailfinders Women forwards—Jasmine Adonri, Haidee Head, Hayley Jones, and Annabel Meta—are also knocking on the door, ready to make their mark on the international stage.
And this is the part most people miss: the squad isn’t just about new blood. Loughborough Lightning’s 19-year-old number eight, Haineala Lutui, leads the Premier 15s (PWR) in carries this season, proving that youth and talent are in abundance. Meanwhile, Harlequins’ Nicole Wythe, fresh from last season’s Team of the Year, joins the back row, alongside team-mate Sarah Parry, whose stellar form has been instrumental in Quins’ rise to third place. But here’s the controversial bit: with Emily Scarratt retired and Abby Dow absent, who will step up to fill those colossal boots?
Bristol’s Millie David, just 20 years old and a joint top try-scorer in the PWR last season, is a strong contender. Yet, despite her form, Gloucester-Hartpury’s Mia Venner gets the nod, leaving Bo Westcombe-Evans—who’s scored five tries in eight games since returning from a serious knee injury—on the sidelines. Is this a missed opportunity, or a strategic move to nurture younger talent? Weigh in below.
Head coach John Mitchell is clear: this camp is about ‘aligning communication and resetting culture.’ But what does that mean? It’s about creating an environment where young players can adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully. ‘The quicker they adapt, the more opportunities they’ll have,’ Mitchell explains. With the Rugby World Cup triumph still fresh, this squad is a blend of proven champions and hungry newcomers.
Off the pitch, the Red Roses are making waves too. Their Six Nations opener against Ireland at Twickenham on 11 April could shatter attendance records. Over 50,000 tickets have already been sold—three months out. Could this be the year women’s rugby finally gets the recognition it deserves?
Here’s the full squad, split into forwards and backs:
Forwards: Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears), Maisy Allen (Exeter Chiefs), Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears), Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women), May Campbell (Saracens), Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury), Kelsey Clifford (Saracens), Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks), Steph Else (Gloucester-Hartpury), Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs), Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning), Rosie Galligan (Saracens), Lizzie Hanlon (Harlequins), Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women), Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning), Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), Marlie Packer (Saracens), Connie Powell (Harlequins), Zoe Stratford (Gloucester-Hartpury), Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears), Nicole Wythe (Harlequins).
Backs: Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks), Jess Breach (Saracens), Millie David (Bristol Bears), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), Sophie Hopkins (LOU Rugby)*, Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury), Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women), Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Lucy Packer (Harlequins), Sarah Parry (Harlequins), Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury), Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury), Ella Wyrwas (Saracens).
*Sophie Hopkins is playing for LOU Rugby while studying abroad.
So, what do you think? Are the Red Roses on the right track, or are there players you’d have included? Let’s debate it in the comments!
