Helena Rowland to win 50th cap as Red Roses hand out another debut against Italy

Helena Rowland will win her 50th cap for England against Italy rugby as John Mitchell hands a debut to Brisbane-born back row Haidee Head in Parma. The versatile Rowland has started in every backline position bar scrum half for the Red Roses since making her debut in October 2020, though has started every game of this Women’s Six Nations campaign at inside centre in the absence of Tatyana Heard. Head, meanwhile, is rewarded for her strong form since arriving at Trailfinders from the Queensland Reds.

The 21-year-old qualifies for England through her mother, and will provide flanker cover from the bench. Haidee Head previously played for the Queensland Reds (Getty) Veteran No 8 Alex Matthews has been officially ruled out of the tournament with a shoulder injury and both Sadia Kabeya and Lilli Ives Campion are not available, with the pair rehabilitating in camp with a view to possible involvement next weekend against France. Head coach Mitchell refreshes his back three, with Emma Sing and Mia Venner returning to the starting side and Ellie Kildunne shifting to the wing.

England have beaten Ireland, Scotland and Wales in their first three games of the campaign, while Italy produced the statement result of round three with a 41-14 win over the Scots. “This week is about re-establishing our processes and sharpening our focus now that we have new purpose,” Mitchell said. “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. ” England XV to take on Italy in Parma (Saturday 9 May, 2pm BST): 1 Kelsey Clifford, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir; 4 Abi Burton, 5 Delaney Burns; 6 Demelza Short, 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati; 9 Lucy Packer, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Ellie Kildunne, 12 Helena Rowland, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Mia Venner; 15 Emma Sing.