Rugby Union Apr 20, 2026

Women's Six Nations: Injury-hit England forced into five changes to starting XV for Scotland game

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Women's Six Nations: Injury-hit England forced into five changes to starting XV for Scotland game

England head coach John Mitchell insists the Red Roses will roll with the punches as they come to terms with a growing list of absentees.

Mitchell has made five changes in personnel to the starting XV for Saturday's Guinness Women's Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield, including handing a debut to 19-year-old Demelza Short at blindside flanker.

Fly-half Zoe Harrison, full-back Emma Sing, lock Abi Burton and prop Maud Muir have also been picked as England look to build on the 33-12 victory against Ireland that opened their Championship.

Ellie Kildunne moves to the left wing to accommodate Sing and Maddie Feaunati switches from blindside flanker to No 8 to fill the void created by Alex Matthews' shoulder injury.

Matthews is the latest casualty incurred by the Red Roses, who have seen Hannah Botterman, Morwenna Talling, Natasha Hunt, May Campbell and Tatyana Heard ruled out of the entire tournament.

In addition, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Lark Atkin-Davies are missing because of pregnancy.

"We've had to adapt to a number of changes with injuries to team-mates who are hugely valued within the group, but that's part of the culture we're building," Mitchell said.

"It creates opportunities for others to step up and highlights the depth we're continuing to grow, both for now and the future.

"There's a real hunger in this group to keep pushing forward, regardless of the challenges we face."

England have been hit hardest in the second row, having lost Talling, Ward, Galligan and Stratford, resulting in Burton being converted from her usual position in the back row.

Defence coach Sarah Hunter views the test of the Red Roses' squad depth as an opportunity to build for the next World Cup in 2029.

"This [number of injuries] is quite unheard of within an England squad over the years," said Hunter, who revealed that the severity of Matthews' injury is still to be assessed.

"It's almost good that we're having this situation now so that we can grow and develop some of the younger players coming through who might be there in four years' time. It might accelerate them a little bit."

Starting XV: 15 Emma Sing, 14 Jess Breach, 13 Megan Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Ellie Kildunne, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Lucy Packer; 1 Kelsey Clifford, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Abi Burton, 5 Lilli Ives Campion, 6 Demelza Short, 7 Sadia Kabeya, 8 Maddie Feaunati.

Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Marlie Packer, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Mia Venner.

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

England Red Roses announce squad for Women's Six Nations as Megan Jones captains side

England Red Roses announce squad for Women's Six Nations as Megan Jones captains side

England Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has named seven uncapped players in his 38-player squad ahead of the Women's Six Nations. Megan Jones takes...

Eddie Jones: England would be foolhardy to sack head coach Steve Borthwick after poor Six Nations run

Eddie Jones: England would be foolhardy to sack head coach Steve Borthwick after poor Six Nations run

Former England head coach Eddie Jones believes sacking Steve Borthwick would be "foolhardy" despite a poor Guinness Six Nations campaign.England finis...

Ireland 43-21 Scotland: Andy Farrell's side secure Triple Crown in Dublin but ultimately miss out on Six Nations championship

Ireland 43-21 Scotland: Andy Farrell's side secure Triple Crown in Dublin but ultimately miss out on Six Nations championship

Ireland were denied the Six Nations championship despite a 43-21 victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, a result which secured the Triple Crown.A...

Six Nations 2027: Ireland vs England starts men's tournament with England vs Scotland on final weekend

Six Nations 2027: Ireland vs England starts men's tournament with England vs Scotland on final weekend

The 2027 Men's Six Nations will begin with a clash between Ireland and England in Dublin.That heavyweight contest will take place on Friday February 5...

Ireland hand contract extensions to Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier with World Cup 2027 in mind

Ireland hand contract extensions to Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier with World Cup 2027 in mind

The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced contract extensions for Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier as they look...

Six Nations: Will Greenwood expects RFU to stick with Steve Borthwick and lead England into 2027 World Cup

Six Nations: Will Greenwood expects RFU to stick with Steve Borthwick and lead England into 2027 World Cup

Former World Cup winner Will Greenwood says he expects England to stick with head coach Steve Borthwick despite a shocking Six Nations campaign.After...