England’s women’s rugby team will face a challenging Six Nations campaign after the announcement of a squad featuring seven uncapped players, alongside the absence of three key players due to pregnancy. Captain Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Lark Atkin-Davies are all expecting, leaving significant gaps in the Red Roses lineup as they aim to defend their title for an eighth consecutive year.
John Mitchell, the England Women’s head coach, named the 38-player squad on Friday, March 20, 2026, acknowledging the difficulty of following up on the team’s historic World Cup victory in 2025. “The impact of the tournament across the country has been outstanding, and it’s reflected in the incredible ticket sales,” Mitchell stated. “As Red Roses, what comes next is a fresh start.”
The uncapped players selected are Christiana Balogun, Millie David, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Sarah Parry, Demelza Short, and Jodie Verghese. Mitchell emphasized his intention to integrate these new talents alongside experienced players, stating, “We’re excited by the energy the younger players will bring into the squad, and alongside our experienced players.”
Meg Jones will captain the side in Stratford’s absence, with Alex Matthews and Amy Cokayne named as co-captains. The squad includes a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, with a strong representation from Bristol Bears, Saracens, and Gloucester-Hartpury.
The squad breakdown reveals 22 forwards, including experienced campaigners like Marlie Packer (112 caps) and Hannah Botterman (62 caps), alongside the new additions. The backs feature key players such as Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach, with Helena Rowland and Holly Aitchison providing further experience.
Mitchell also highlighted his intention to experiment with player combinations throughout the tournament. “What is critical 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,” he said.
England begin their Six Nations defence at the Allianz Stadium, with a record crowd expected. The team’s first match will be a significant test of their ability to adapt to the changes in personnel and maintain their winning momentum. The tournament will be closely watched as England seeks to continue its dominance in women’s international rugby.
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