Shekells returns as Red Roses wait on Kabeya

Shekells' only appearance at the World Cup was in the Red Roses' pool-stage thrashing of Samoa in Northampton England's patched-up Women's Six Nations squad has been boosted by the return of centre Jade Shekells. The 29-year-old, who was part of the Great Britain Sevens team at Paris 2024, has missed the first three matches of the Red Roses' campaign with a hamstring injury. With Tatyana Heard, who started September's World Cup final in the centres inside Meg Jones, ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury, the versatile Helena Rowland has deputised at 12 in the victories over Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

While Shekells swells England's midfield options, there are injury issues in the back five of the scrum. Flanker Sadia Kabeya, who came off against Wales at the weekend with a chest and shoulder muscle injury, is continuing her rehabilitation alongside the team in the hope that she can play a further part in the tournament. Fellow back row Alex Matthews and second row Lilli Ives Campion are also not at full fitness as they carry shoulder and knee complaints respectively.

Bristol teenager Demelza Short replaced Kabeya off the bench at Ashton Gate and could be set for a longer run in the team alongside 36-year-old Marlie Packer in the back row. England have a lengthy list of absences at second row with Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan all pregnant and Morwenna Talling having suffered a tournament-ending leg injury in the opening round. After a break weekend, the Red Roses, on a run of 36 straight Test wins and in pursuit of an eighth successive Six Nations title, will take on Italy in the next match of the campaign in Parma on 9 May.

Meanwhile, Canada have announced that they will host England at 28,000-capacity BMO Field in Toronto on 16 October. England have already announced a fixture against Canada in Exeter the previous month as part of the new WXV Global Series which will be the teams' first meeting since the Red Roses won the World Cup final.