Holly Aitchison is set to win her 50th cap for England when she starts at fly-half in the Red Roses’ WXV Global Series opener against Australia on Saturday at the CorpAcq Stadium in Manchester.
Aitchison, 28, began two of England’s victorious Six Nations Grand Slam matches earlier this year, although she has not been preferred over Zoe Harrison by head coach John Mitchell for premier fixtures.
The announcement marks five changes to the team that defeated France in Bordeaux during their most recent outing.
Scrum-half Natasha Hunt returns to the squad following a knee ligament injury sustained in April’s victory over Ireland. Tatyana Heard also comes back into contention for her first Test appearance of the season after recovering from a foot problem.
May Campbell makes her first start, moving up from her previous appearances as a substitute, as England deal with a shortage of experienced hookers. Amy Cokayne is ruled out through injury, Connie Powell is undergoing ankle surgery, and Lark Atkin-Davies is on maternity leave after giving birth in June.
Bryony Field is poised to receive her first senior call-up off the bench, joining returnees Hannah Botterman and Morwenna Talling from the replacements’ bench. Gloucester-Hartpury’s Mia Venner, who shared the top spot on last season’s PWR try-scoring charts, is named on the wing.
Head coach John Mitchell expressed enthusiasm about hosting the match in the North West, citing his playing and coaching tenure at Sale Sharks. He noted that staging games outside traditional venues helps keep the sport visible and connected to local communities.
Unlike the men’s side, which is commercially tied to Twickenham, the women’s team frequently plays across the country. Following this fixture, England will face Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter next weekend before welcoming New Zealand to Allianz Stadium on 26 September.
Australia has named uncapped 20-year-old Amelia Whitaker on the wing; she is the niece of former Leinster scrum-half Chris Whitaker. Leicester-signee Caitlyn Halse starts at full-back for the visitors. England have won all eight previous encounters, most recently prevailing 47-7 at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Love that they’re playing in Manchester! We need more of these community-focused venues outside London.
Five changes is a massive gamble on debutants and returnees. I hope Mitchell isn’t overthinking it.
Hope they can maintain that perfect record against Australia. Eight wins is impressive, but this team looks stronger this time.
Wait, Tatyana Heard is back? That changes everything for the backline creativity.
Fifty caps for Aitchison! Finally getting the recognition she deserves at fly-half.