Loughborough Lightning’s Sadia Kabeya will vice-captain the Red Roses as they start their WXV Global Series against Australia this weekend.
The openside flanker packs down for her 33rd international cap at the CorpAcq Stadium on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm) alongside her Lightning clubmate Lilli Ives Campion, who moves to within one outing of double figures for her country.
Helena Rowland completes the Lightning representation in the matchday squad, with the versatile 51-times capped back named amongst the replacements.
Lightning fans can watch the international at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday as part of RugbyFest 2.0 – for more information about the event, please click HERE.
Head Coach John Mitchell said: “I have very fond memories of the North West from my time with Sale Sharks so it’s awesome to be able to take our game to this part of the country.
“Playing in a different part of the country allows us to be present in the community and keeps the game healthy. You’ve not only got to be visible, but if you can actually be close to your community, I think that's even better.
“Connection is such an important part of life, but particularly in sport. The girls have worked hard in pre-season to deepen their bond and that will make us stronger on the field. We’re excited to get our WXV Global Series underway and aim to excite and entertain."
Red Roses team to play Australia
15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
14 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 38) – captain
12 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 36 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
10 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 89 caps)
1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 28 caps)
2 May Campbell (Saracens, 5 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 84 caps)
4 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 6 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 9 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps) – vice captain
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 27 caps)
Replacements:
16 Bryony Field (Saracens, uncapped)
17 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 53 caps)
19 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 29 caps)
20 Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 116 caps)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 44 caps)
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 70 caps)
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 51 caps)
Loughborough Lightning 2026/27 Season Tickets are still on sale priced from £70 adult and £25 child. To purchase yours or for more information, please click HERE.