Head coach John Mitchell, pictured below, recently announced the 32 players making up the Red Roses female squad, including some team favourites, some surprise role switches and a chance to meet the next generation of athletes.
England Women’s rugby coach John Mitchell
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Speaking of the team, the head coach shared that “it’s been a thorough two-year process to select the right blend of positional cover, skill, mindset and connection,” believing that this squad is one that can bring home the title, after coming second place in 2022.
“Every experience and challenge has brought the 32 to this point in their life and career, and they have all earned their place – they should be proud of the opportunity to create history together,” he added, focusing on their first battle taking place this month.
So who will be pulling on the white shirt this tournament? Get to know the women changing the game below.
The Red Roses team features eight fresh faces for 2025
- Abi Burton
- May Campbell
- Mackenzie Carson
- Kelsey Clifford
- Maddie Feaunati
- Lilli Ives Campion
- Jade Shekells
- Emma Sing
Abi Burton: overcoming injury
Touchdown: Abi Burton, right, and teammate Jess Breach, left, prepare to celebrate
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At the peak of her blossoming career in 2021, back row Abi Burton (above, right) was diagnosed with autoimmune NMDA receptor encephalitis, a life-threatening condition that left her in a medically-induced coma for 25 days. Having learned to walk and talk again, 25-year-old Abi fought through intense rehab and training programmes to earn her place on this squad.
Mackenzie Carson and Maddie Feaunati: born to play
Powering through: Mackenzie Carson of England prepares to take on the New Zealand defence
The RFU Collection via Getty Images
Born in British Columbia, Canada, 27-year-old prop Mackenzie Carson has represented two nations over her rugby career. It was a shift in international eligibility rules that allowed her to switch allegiance to England, making her Red Roses debut in September 2023.
For Maddie Feaunati, also on the back row, rugby runs in her blood. Her father is Zak Feaunati, a Samoan player who represented his country internationally. Her sister Susie also plays women’s rugby. Born in Leeds, 23-year-old Maddie was a netball player before transitioning to the rugby pitch, honing her skills at the Exeter Chiefs.
A new captain for the Red Roses
Unsurprisingly, the England squad is packed with players who have proven their prowess on the pitch.
Current captain of the Red Roses, Zoe Aldcroft
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The 24 returning squad members include 28-year-old lock Zoe Aldcroft. Zoe was captain of the Red Roses for the 6 Nations 2025, and this is her first time captaining at a global tournament, taking over from Marlie Packer who picks up the role of vice-captain.
Speaking about her appointment, Zoe said: “To lead the team… is an incredible feeling. This group has a fantastic opportunity to inspire young boys and girls all over the country.”
Emily Scarratt: try to the wire
Hands on: England’s Emily Scarratt is tackled by Italy’s Emma Stevanin during the 2025 Six Nations
The RFU Collection via Getty Images
Centre Emily Scarratt – who has also overcome serious injury and 13 months out of game with disk surgery – will be pulling on the England kit for her fifth tournament. Best known for landing an England win in 2014 with six minutes left in the game, Emily turned down a basketball scholarship in America before pursuing rugby. She’s since racked up 789 minutes of gameplay, pushing her team to 33 wins.
The 35-year-old – who is the most capped player, with 118 caps to her name – also captained Team GB in the Rio Olympics, won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and has countless other appearances under her scrum cap.
Surprise appointments and a powerful back row
Zoe Aldcroft’s appointment as team captain may shock some, who expected 35-year-old Marlie Packer to return in the role. Having played for a total of 666 minutes in her Red Roses career, her win to loss ratio is very strong. making her a powerful player.
The decision was made so Marlie could focus on her gameplay and expand her on-pitch skills, without the pressure of leadership, according to coach John Mitchell. With such a strong back row, there’s certainly competition – just look at Morwenna Talling, Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya.
The 2025 squad: the key stats
- 32 Red Roses, including 18 forwards and 14 backs
- An average age of 26, making a powerful group with the energy of youth plus the skills of time spent competing at premiership and international levels
- A combined 1,374 international caps
England debuts and returning squad members
Alongside the eight players making their England debuts, 24 are returning squad members. including 110-capped Marlie Packer.
The players looking to boost their totals include Jade Shekells, Lilli Ives Campion and Abi Burton, who have all made two international appearances, and May Campbell with three caps.
British Airways, the Official Airline Partner to England Rugby, continues to give the Red Roses its long-standing support, celebrating their strength and elevating their legacy, because heroes deserve to fly and ‘No One Flies Like Her’.
To book your next adventure, visit ba.com
