Maddie Fionati will make her England debut on trial when the Purple Roses face France in Gloucester on Saturday.
Head coach John Mitchell made simply two adjustments to the squad that received final season’s Six Nations Grand Slam victory over France in Bordeaux.
Exeter winger Fionati is one in all them, changing the injured Sadia Kabea, whereas middle Helena Rowland replaces Megan Jones, who can also be absent.
Fionati, 22, made 5 appearances in its place throughout the 2024 Six Nations however will now be part of captain Mary Parker and quantity eight Alex Matthews within the again row from the beginning.
On the bench, England Beneath-20 captain Lilli Ives Campion is about to make her worldwide debut, whereas Zoe Harrison is about to have fun her fiftieth crimson rose The staff seems. Bristol prop Sarah Bern was among the many substitutes after lacking the Six Nations by way of harm.
Saturday’s recreation is the primary of two video games for England – who additionally host New Zealand on September 14 – earlier than beginning their WXV 1 season in Canada.
Within the WXV 1 Championship, England will face the USA on September 29, adopted by video games towards New Zealand and Canada.
Mitchell stated: “We’re excited to get began as the ladies have carried out effectively in pre-season, elevating their requirements and constructing on their resilience.
“The women simply wish to compete and now we have chosen to host world-class opponents, permitting us to simply accept the problem and lift our recreation heading into WXV and an thrilling 2025.
“I’ve nice recollections of taking part in for the All Blacks at Kingsholm and profitable my first recreation as Sale coach.
“This can be a particular place and this weekend the ladies have the chance to create their very own recollections collectively.”
England vs France: Ellie Kildunn; Abby Dow, Helena Loren, Tatiana Hurd, Jessie Breach; Holly Aitchison, Natasha Hunter; Hannah Portman, Amy Cockayne, Maud Muir, Zoe Aldercroft, Morwenna Tarling, Maddie Fionati, Mary Parker (Captain), Alex Matthews.
Alternate options: Lark Atkin-Davies, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Byrne, Lily Ives Campion, Pappy Clear, Lucy Parker, Zoe Harrison, Emily Scarlatt.
Sky Sports activities+ is formally launched and will likely be merged into sky tvStreaming companies Now and Sky Sports Appthis 12 months Sky Sports activities prospects can watch greater than 50% of dwell sports activities occasions totally free. Learn more here.
