Red Roses team to play Canada in Exeter
Lark Atkin-Davies will earn her 50th cap when the Red Roses play Canada at Sandy Park, Exeter on Saturday.
The hooker debuted for her country in 2015 and lines up in a front row containing props Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern.
Marlie Packer captains the side from openside flanker with Rosie Galligan, Cath O’Donnell, Morwenna Talling and Zoe Aldcroft confirming the pack.
The backline sees one change from the XV that started the Grand Slam-winning encounter with France at Twickenham Stadium in April, as Jess Breach comes in on the wing.
It means scrum-half Lucy Packer and fly-half Holly Aitchison continue as the half-back pairing, and Tatyana Heard and Helena Rowland partner in the centres. Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne are named at wing and full-back respectively.
Among the replacements, back row Maisy Allen is in line for her first senior cap while Megan Jones returns to a matchday squad for the first time since 2021.
On Atkin-Davies' milestone appearance, interim head coach Louis Deacon said: “Lark’s milestone appearance is a huge credit to her hard work, dedication, and desire to be the best version of herself every time she pulls on an England shirt.
"She brings great energy to the group and we are really pleased she gets the opportunity to run out for her 50th appearance.”
The Red Roses’ matches with Canada this September will be streamed live on the England Rugby YouTube and Facebook channels.
RED ROSES SIDE TO FACE CANADA
15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 34 caps)
14. Jess Breach (Saracens, 28 caps)
13. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 24 caps)
12. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 14 caps)
11. Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 35 caps)
10. Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 20 caps)
9. Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 14 caps)
1. Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps)
2. Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 57 caps)
4. Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 9 caps)
5. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 27 caps)
6. Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
7. Marlie Packer – captain (Saracens, 94 caps)
8. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 43 caps)
Replacements
16. Connie Powell (Harlequins, 9 caps)
17. Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 37 caps)
18. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 20 caps)
19. Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury, 30 caps)
20. Maisy Allen (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 62 caps)
22. Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps)
23. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 28 caps)
