Seven uncapped players included in Red Roses squad for Women’s Six Nations

Seven uncapped players have been included in the England squad for the Women’s Six Nations as John Mitchell freshens up his group for the tournament. The Red Roses will return to action against Ireland on 11 April for the first time since winning the World Cup in front of a capacity crowd at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium last September. They will do so without their regular captain in Zoe Stratford, who is pregnant, with centre Meg Jones skippering the side in her absence.

Experienced forwards Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward are also expecting children, and thus miss out. (Getty Images) Bristol Bears wing Millie David, Harlequins centre Sarah Parry and Loughborough Lightning No 8 Haineala Lutui are among the seven inclusions in a 38-player group that will hope to press for debuts. Locks Rosie Galligan and Cath O’Donnell are unavailable for selection, with Lilli Ives Campion likely for a larger role in the second row.

Jones will be supported by vice-captains Alex Matthews and Amy Cokayne during the campaign, with centurion Marlie Packer and scrum half Natasha Hunt among the other experienced heads in a squad that includes 25 World Cup winners. John Mitchell led England to another Women's Six Nations grand slam last year (Getty Images) Former centre Emily Scarratt is now part of Mitchell’s coaching staff, while wing Abby Dow has also retired since the World Cup win. Forwards Demelza Short (Bristol Bears), Annabel Meta (Trailfinders), Jodie Verghese (Saracens) and Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears) complete the uncapped contingent.

Balogun was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2022 but has battled back to return to being a consistent Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) performer. Scrum half Ella Wyrwas and centre Jade Shekells are absent due to injury. England have not lost under Mitchell, with a 33-match winning run extending back to the previous World Cup final in 2022.