England Women's Rugby Names Squad for Home Tournament

Fresh off their first World Cup victory in over a decade, England's women's rugby team is ready to defend their crown on home soil.

Head coach John Mitchell announced his 36-player squad for the WXV Global Series home matches, bringing back 25 players who helped secure that historic World Cup title. Captain Megan Jones leads a team with an impressive 1,234 international caps combined, proving experience runs deep in the Red Roses roster.

The team kicks off September 12 against Australia at CorpAcq Stadium near Manchester. A week later, they'll face Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter, rematching the thrilling World Cup final that captured hearts across the nation. The series finale on September 26 brings New Zealand to Allianz Stadium, where over 50,000 fans are expected to pack the stands.

Three uncapped players earned their spots on the squad: Bryony Field, Hayley Jones, and Sophie McQueen. Their inclusion shows Mitchell's confidence in building the future while honoring championship success.

Mitchell praised his team's preparation and commitment. "The girls have worked hard to elevate their connections, making us stronger, and have driven high standards," he said. The coach emphasized the squad's potential to excite the entire country through their style of play.

Why This Inspires

Women's rugby continues breaking barriers both on and off the field. The Red Roses sold out Twickenham Stadium with 82,000 fans for their World Cup final victory, and now they're drawing 50,000-plus crowds for regular tournament matches. These numbers reflect how women's sports are capturing mainstream attention and proving their commercial viability.

The team's success creates pathways for young athletes across England who see themselves represented at the highest level. When champions return to compete on home soil, they inspire the next generation to pick up a rugby ball and chase their own dreams.

This inaugural WXV Global Series represents another step forward for international women's rugby, providing consistent high-level competition across three years with fixed participating nations.

The Red Roses aren't just defending their title—they're building a legacy that will shape women's rugby for years to come.