Red Roses make nine changes for Canada clash

Men’s Boxing / 18 September 2026 When Hollywood inspired a generation in the midst of despair 18 September 2026 JOHN WIGHT celebrates a timeless boxing movie classic marking its 50th anniversary this year 

WORLD CUP-WINNING duo Alex Matthews and Jess Breach have been restored to England’s team as part of nine changes for the first of three Tests against Canada in the WXV Global Series.

Back-rower Matthews — a scorer of two tries in last year’s World Cup final victory over Canada — resumes her role as vice-captain from number eight, while Breach is back on the right wing.

Hooker Bryony Field will make her maiden international start in Saturday’s match at Sandy Park in Exeter after scoring on debut in last weekend’s 48-15 win over Australia.

Props Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir join Field in an all-changed front row. Morwenna Talling returns to partner Lilli Ives Campion in the other alteration to the forward pack.

Scrum-half Lucy Packer, who scored against the Wallaroos as a replacement, and fly-half Zoe Harrison take over from Natasha Hunt and Holly Aitchison as the half-back pairing.

Helena Rowland is reinstated to the midfield alongside captain Megan Jones.

Flankers Abi Burton and Sadia Kabeya, wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and full-back Ellie Kildunne are the other players retained by Red Roses head coach John Mitchell.

Fourteen of the matchday 23 were involved in the 2025 World Cup final win at Twickenham.

Mitchell said in a statement: “This is the first Test of an exciting three-Test series between the number one and number three teams in the world.

“You need rivalries in our sport and our rivalry with Canada is one that has evolved to a great level. They are a well-coached team who will bring a different challenge to the one Australia presented. We will be expected to raise our standards.”

Women’s boxing / 5 August 2026 Chapman undergoes emergency surgery after collapsing in Denmark 5 August 2026 Women’s cricket / 8 July 2026 Beaumont to call time on 17-year England career after Lord’s Test 8 July 2026 Men’s Football / 26 September 2025 PFA chief calls for investigation after death of Billy Vigar 26 September 2025 Tragic loss of young footballer sparks fresh scrutiny of ground safety standards