Rugby Union Apr 24, 2026

England Red Roses announce squad for Women's Six Nations as Megan Jones captains side

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
England Red Roses announce squad for Women's Six Nations as Megan Jones captains side

England Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has named seven uncapped players in his 38-player squad ahead of the Women's Six Nations. 

Megan Jones takes over as the new England captain following the announcement that World Cup-winning skipper Zoe Stratford is expecting her first child.

Christiana Balogun, Millie David, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Sarah Parry, Demelza Short and Jodie Verghese make up the players uncapped at senior international level.

"It's great to be back together, ready to earn the right again following the Rugby World Cup," Mitchell said.

"The impact of the tournament across the country has been outstanding, and it's reflected in the incredible ticket sales - not just for our matches at Allianz Stadium and Ashton Gate, but across the Six Nations as a whole.

"As Red Roses, what comes next is a fresh start. The Six Nations is hugely important to us, and we know success in this competition has to be earned every time."

The squad consists of a combined 1,143 international caps, 112 of which come courtesy of the experienced Marlie Packer.

England begin their Six Nations campaign on April 11 when they take on Ireland at Allianz Stadium.

"We're excited by the energy the younger players will bring into the squad, and alongside our experienced players," Mitchell continued.

"What is important to me is to stay open-minded about player combinations and I will observe how people compete against each other and deal with that type of pressure.

"It's just down to who is going to take the handbrake off, attack it, and expresses themselves in our game."

Mitchell recently signed a long-term contract extension taking him through the next World Cup amid his side's record winning streak, which now stands at 33 games.

England Red Roses squad:

Forwards: Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears, uncapped), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 79 caps), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 62 caps), Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, four caps), May Campbell (Saracens, five caps), Mackenzie Carson (Saracens, 23 caps), Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 21 caps), Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 89 caps) - vice captain, Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 23 caps), Lizzie Hanlon (Harlequins, one cap), Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Loughborough Lightning, one cap), Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, five caps), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 28 caps), Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 81 caps) - vice captain, Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, uncapped), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 48 caps), Marlie Packer (Saracens, 112 caps), Connie Powell (Harlequins, 19 caps), Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, uncapped), Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 28 caps), Jodie Verghese (Saracens, uncapped).

Backs: Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 44 caps), Jess Breach (Saracens, 53 caps), Millie David (Bristol Bears, uncapped), Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 65 caps), Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 36 caps), Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 88 caps), Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 33 caps) - captain, Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 57 caps), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 36 caps), Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 38 caps), Sarah Parry (Harlequins, uncapped), Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, one cap), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 46 caps), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 13 caps), Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, two caps), Bo Westcombe-Evans (Loughborough Lightning, two caps).

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