Lightning’s Helena Rowland will earn her 50th England cap against Italy in Round 4 of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations this Saturday (9 May, kick-off: 2pm) at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, with Haineala Lutui set to come off the bench.
The versatile back is yet to lose a game in international colours as she brings up half a century of appearances this weekend. Rowland debuted for England at the same stadium in Parma back in November 2020 and has accumulated 186 points for her country to date.
Lightning’s Lutui is set to earn her fourth cap from the bench once again this weekend, while Saida Kabeya and Lilli Ives Campion both remain in international camp to continue their rehabilitation.
On the selections, Head coach John Mitchell said: “This week is about re-establishing our processes and sharpening our focus now that we have new purpose. We’ve had a deliberate reset around learning where we will need to improve, we trust the way we play, and now it’s time to get back to it.
“We’ve built momentum throughout this tournament by stacking strong moments together, and that will be crucial again this week. Italy will be full of confidence after their result against Scotland, and they’ll challenge us in different ways.
“For us, it’s about staying locked in on our key actions: applying pressure and intentionally attacking the space with speed. Ultimately, it always comes down to showing courage in the moments that matter.”
Red Roses team to face Italy
15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 15 caps)
14 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 36 caps) – captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 49 caps)
11 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 60 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 68 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 42 caps)
1 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 24 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 92 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 51 caps)
4 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 7 caps)
5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
6 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 114 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 26 caps)
Replacements
16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 22 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 26 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 82 caps)
19 Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 3 caps)
20 Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 3 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 47 caps)
23 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
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