Red Roses side to face Les Bleues in Gloucester
Maddie Feaunati will earn her first Test start when the Red Roses take on France at Kingsholm Stadium on Saturday (KO 2:30pm) live on BBC One.
The 22-year-old made five appearances in the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, including the Grand Slam-winning encounter against the French back in April.
Of the 15 that started that day in Bordeaux, Head Coach John Mitchell has selected 13 in starting positions once again. Injured duo Sadia Kabeya and Megan Jones have been replaced by Feaunati and Helena Rowland.
Lilli Ives Campion is set for her first cap from the bench and Zoe Harrison could make a 50th outing for her country. Replacement Sarah Bern returns to the international fold after missing the Six Nations due to injury.
Match day squad
Replacements
Mitchell on selection
“We’re excited to get started after the girls being outstanding in raising their standards and growing their resilience in pre-season.
“The girls just want to play, and we have chosen to host world class opponents for us to be challenged and to improve our game heading into WXV and an exciting 2025.”
“Gloucester is a place that smells of rugby and has a real rugby community. I have fond memories of playing for the All Blacks at Kingsholm and winning my first game as Sale coach there. It’s a special place and this weekend the girls have an opportunity to make their own memories together.”
