The short version
- Two-time World Cup winner Marlie Packer remains in the UK for the birth of her child with teammate Rosie Galligan.
- Delaney Burns, Haidee Head, and Sophie McQueen are ruled out of the tour due to ongoing injury concerns.
- Kelsey Clifford returns to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury ahead of matches against Canada and the USA.
The England women’s rugby union team has confirmed significant changes to its roster for the upcoming North American tour, which includes test matches against Canada and the United States. Marlie Packer, a two-time World Cup winner and the squad’s most capped active player with 119 appearances, will not travel with the team. The Harlequins back-rower is remaining in the United Kingdom to support her partner, Rosie Galligan, who is also a Red Roses teammate and is expecting to give birth.
In addition to Packer’s absence, three other players have been ruled out of the tour due to injury. Delaney Burns, Haidee Head, and Sophie McQueen will not join the squad in North America. These departures reduce the available depth for the coaching staff as they prepare for a demanding schedule that includes two matches against Canada and one against the United States.
The tour begins with England facing Canada in Toronto on October 17, followed by a second match in Ottawa on October 24. Both fixtures are scheduled to start at 00:00 BST. The team will then travel to New Jersey for a single match against the United States on October 30, which is set to begin at 21:15 BST. These games represent the culmination of a self-titled three-Test series involving Canada.
Despite the losses, the squad receives a boost from the return of Kelsey Clifford. The Saracens prop has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be available for selection. Her inclusion adds experience to the forward pack, which is crucial given the physical nature of the upcoming opponents and the condensed schedule.
England head coach John Mitchell has emphasized the importance of squad cohesion during this away series. He noted that the 32 players traveling to North America have a unique opportunity to strengthen their connections as a unit. Mitchell stated that playing away from home requires a high level of togetherness and that the team is eager to continue building on their competitive hunger.
The Red Roses enter this tour following a challenging month in September, during which they played three matches. They secured victories against Australia and New Zealand but saw their record-breaking winning streak end with a draw against Canada. Mitchell described those home tests as closely contested matches that could have gone either way, highlighting the intensity of recent competition.
The upcoming fixtures are viewed by the coaching staff as a critical phase in the team’s development. Mitchell expressed excitement about continuing the rivalry with Canada in Toronto and preparing for the final match against the United States. The focus remains on elevating performance levels and maintaining competitive standards despite the absence of key personnel.
The squad list includes a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talent. Forwards such as Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, and Amy Cokayne provide stability, while backs like Tatyana Heard and Natasha Hunt offer speed and skill. The inclusion of younger players like Christiana Balogun and Daisy Hibbert-Jones suggests a strategy to integrate new faces into the international setup.
As the team prepares for departure, the emphasis is on maintaining momentum from recent successes while adapting to the challenges posed by injuries and personal circumstances. The North American tour serves as a test of depth and resilience, with the coaching staff aiming to demonstrate continued improvement and competitive spirit in every match.
The results of these tests will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they provide insight into the team’s form ahead of future international commitments. With Packer and others absent, the remaining players have the opportunity to step up and showcase their abilities on the global stage.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗England forward Packer to miss North America tour
