McGillivray heads back to Red Roses training camp

Exeter Chiefs Women’s centre Nancy McGillivray has been called up to England’s training camp for the first time since she suffered a serious knee injury at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Having featured in every game following her try-scoring injury comeback against Leicester Tigers back in October, McGillivray will now get to rub shoulder with the Red Roses squad once again.

McGillivray said: “I’m really pleased to be back in camp this week. It’s been a long time! It’s always a great opportunity to train at the highest level and be around a top group of players, so I am excited for the week ahead.”

The 22-year-old will be joined by fellow transition contract player Maisy Allen, who has also battled with injury this season. Meanwhile, Chiefs’ third pathway player, Katie Buchanan, is joining Merryn Doidge for GB Sevens training this week.

Chiefs Women’s assistant coach Steve Salvin said: “It is great to see both Nancy and Maisy back in camp with the Red Roses. Nancy has had a fantastic season, having missed the previous season with an ACL injury, playing in almost every game.

“Maisy has had a more challenging season with two significant injuries but has approached both as everyone would expect, with full commitment, and now has a deserved opportunity to mix it with the best in the country. We have every confidence both players will excel.”

The pair will join Chiefs team-mates Maddie Feaunati, Claudia MacDonald and Flo Robinson in camp as the Red Roses prepare for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Red Roses head coach John Mitchell said: “We want to expose some of the developing future talent, and those who have performed well in the league, to the Red Roses environment.”

“Their inclusion will not only aid their understanding of what it takes to become a Red Rose but will also prove beneficial for their development and the squad’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations preparations.”

Head of women’s performance Charlie Hayter added: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the girls coming in from the pathway to experience a senior international environment.

“The pathway is designed for aspirational players to maximise their potential and we believe exposing this group to the Red Roses will inspire and equip them to do so.”

The 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations kicks off on March 22/23.

Red Roses Training Squad

Forwards:

Maisy Allen (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)

Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)

Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears, uncapped)

Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)

Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)

Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)

Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)

Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 79 caps)

Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 10 caps)

Charlotte Fray (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)

Lizzie Hanlon (Harlequins, 1 cap)

Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)

Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 18 caps)

Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)

Maddy Page (Harlequins, uncapped)

Simi Pam (Bristol Bears, uncapped)

Connie Powell (Harlequins, 19 caps)

Tyla Shirley (Harlequins, uncapped)

Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 18 caps)

Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 69 caps)

Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)

Backs:

Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 35 caps)

Reneeqa Bonner (Bristol Bears, uncapped)

Millie David (Bristol Bears, uncapped)

Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 48 caps)

Lia Green (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)

Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)

Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 48 caps)

Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 32 caps)

Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)

Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 26 caps)

Sarah Parry (Harlequins, uncapped)

Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)

Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps)

Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 116 caps)

Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, uncapped)