England's most-capped active player Marlie Packer will sit out the WXV Global Series fixtures against Canada and the USA across North America this month, with her partner and fellow Red Roses squad member Rosie Galligan expecting to give birth during the tour.
Packer, a two-time World Cup winner who has earned 119 caps for her country, will remain at home for the occasion. The Red Roses face Canada in two matches—at BMO Field in Toronto on October 17 and in Ottawa on October 24—before travelling to New Jersey to play the USA on October 30.
Beyond Packer's absence, England will also be without three other players through injury. Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen have all been ruled out of the tour.
The Red Roses' recent form has been mixed. They recorded victories over Australia and New Zealand in September, though they drew 26-26 with Canada in Exeter in a result that ended the hosts' 39-match winning streak. According to BBC Sport, England's unbeaten run stood at 41 matches ahead of the Toronto Test, despite that September draw with Canada.
Head coach John Mitchell reflected on the significance of recent encounters with top-tier opposition.
Our last two Tests against Canada and New Zealand have been humdingers that could have gone either way. They were hugely important to our development towards [the 2029 World Cup].
Mitchell emphasised the value of facing elite teams in demanding circumstances.
Playing quality opposition and learning to adapt under pressure will help us raise our level and improve our game.
The touring squad of 32 players will have the chance to strengthen their cohesion away from home.
The 32 players travelling to North America have a great opportunity to elevate our connections as a squad because playing away from home requires togetherness.
Mitchell highlighted the team's competitive drive heading into the tour.
We have shown a real hunger to compete and improve, and we're excited to rip into our preparations and continue our rivalry with Canada in Toronto.
The first Canada match carries particular significance for the hosts. According to BBC Sport, Canada coach Kevin Rouet has identified beating England as his team's main aim for 2026, and Canada are playing at home for the first time in more than 14 months. The Toronto fixture kicks off at midnight BST on Saturday, October 17 (7 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 16).
England's squad for the tour includes vice-captains Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews in the forwards. According to Yahoo Sports, Cokayne has been named in the starting XV for the first Canada Test after her return to the side, with Matthews selected at openside flanker. Captain Megan Jones leads the backs contingent.
Squad selection
The 18-strong forward contingent features Sarah Bern (87 caps), Hannah Botterman (65 caps), Abi Burton (12 caps), May Campbell (7 caps), Mackenzie Carson (31 caps), Kelsey Clifford (25 caps), Maddie Feaunati (30 caps), Bryony Field (3 caps), Daisy Hibbert-Jones (1 cap), Lilli Ives Campion (11 caps), Sadia Kabeya (34 caps), Haineala Lutui (4 caps), Maud Muir (56 caps), Demelza Short (4 caps) and Morwenna Talling (32 caps). Christiana Balogun, making her first appearance in an England squad, joins the group with 1 cap.
The backs division comprises 14 players led by Jones. Holly Aitchison (50 caps), Jess Breach (59 caps), Zoe Harrison (73 caps), Tatyana Heard (37 caps), Natasha Hunt (91 caps), Ellie Kildunne (65 caps), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (43 caps), Lucy Packer (47 caps), Flo Robinson (6 caps), Helena Rowland (54 caps), Emma Sing (17 caps), Mia Venner (5 caps) and Bo Westcombe-Evans (2 caps) complete the selection.
Viewing information and upcoming fixtures
UK viewers can follow the tour live on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app. The Canada Tests are scheduled for Toronto on October 16 local time and Ottawa on October 23 local time, with England's final tour match against the USA scheduled for October 30 in New Jersey.
