Three Loughborough Lightning players have been named in the Red Roses matchday squad for this weekend’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations encounter with Wales.
Sadia Kabeya remains in the back row but switches from openside to blindside flanker on the occasion of her 31st England cap at Ashton Gate on Saturday (kick-off: 2.15pm).
Helena Rowland stretches her run at inside centre to a third consecutive match as she goes within one appearance of a half-century for her country.
Lilli Ives Campion, who started the wins against Ireland and Scotland, misses out due to a minor knee injury, while Haineala Lutui is set to earn her third cap as a replacement in Bristol.
“Last weekend was a special performance by the team at Murrayfield and one the whole squad and staff can be proud of, but we’ve already left that behind us,” said Red Roses Head Coach, John Mitchell.
“This week is about being clear on where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales are a side that over-commit at the contest, which will challenge us in a different way. It’s one we’re looking forward to, and an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we’ve started to build. Under Sean Lynn, Wales are improving, playing with greater clarity and enthusiasm, and we know we’ll have to earn that right again.
“For us, it’s about elevating our game. That means being courageous in our skillsets, building better connections, and owning our decisions. I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate.”
Red Roses team to play Wales
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 59 caps)
14 Millie David (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 35 caps) – captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 48 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 37 caps)
10 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 46 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 41 caps)
1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 25 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 91 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 81 caps)
4 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 6 caps)
5 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 3 caps)
6 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 30 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 113 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 25 caps)
Replacements:
16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 21 caps)
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 23 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 50 caps)
19 Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps)
20 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 1 cap)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 67 caps)
23 Jess Breach (Saracens, 55 caps)
All three of the Lightning players in the England side to face Wales are contracted into the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season. Season Tickets are now on sale priced from £60 adult and £20 child – for more information and to purchase, please click HERE.