Delaney Burns Targets New England Caps Amid Injury Crisis

Delaney Burns is set to seize a significant opportunity to extend her international career when England face Australia this Saturday, a fixture she views as pivotal given the current squad landscape. The 24-year-old second-row currently holds six caps, having made her debut in 2023 before earning three additional selections for the 2026 Six Nations.

The upcoming WXV Global Series presents a distinct advantage for Burns, as key forwards Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, and Zoe Stratford are unavailable due to pregnancy or maternity leave. Burns noted that this marks the first campaign she has been integrated into from the outset, allowing her to leverage her experience around the line-out while supporting emerging talents in the squad.

Beyond her on-field ambitions, Burns continues to make a substantial impact through her work with the Bristol Bears Foundation. Her initiatives focus on coaching girls in the Bristol area, addressing topics such as menstrual health, body image, and mental safety regarding social media and AI. The program has successfully launched a South Bristol girls team, which has attracted between 50 and 60 players.

Burns also shared a lighthearted moment during a recent team connection meeting, where she recounted a nervous anecdote about a “short back and sides” haircut she sported at age 15. Despite the humor, she remains focused on personal growth and performance, acknowledging the need to listen to her own advice during the demanding camp environment.

Her grandfather, who introduced her to the sport and supports her from Poole, will be in attendance to watch her compete at Manchester. A successful showing against Australia would further solidify Burns’ position in a highly competitive Red Roses forward pack.