England quartet return from injury for Australia clash

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ENGLAND have been strengthened by the return of four 2025 World Cup winners from injury for Saturday’s WXV opener against Australia at Salford City Stadium.

Centre Tatyana Heard (foot) and replacement prop Hannah Botterman (ankle) missed the entire Six Nations while scrum-half Natasha Hunt (knee) and replacement lock Morwenna Talling (leg) played only small roles in the Championship.

Sale fly-half Holly Aitchison will make her 50th international appearance at her home ground and is one of five changes to the starting XV that defeated France in May, with hooker May Campbell and wing Mia Venner completing the adjustments.

“Playing in a different part of the country allows us to be present in the community and keeps the game healthy,” head coach John Mitchell said.

“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.”

Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford has been ruled out of the entire WXV series because of a hamstring injury.

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