Two Chiefs in the Red Roses Squad to take on Canada

20/09/23

Red Roses name matchday 23 for first Test against Canada

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.

The Red Roses’ matches with Canada this September will be streamed live on the England Rugby YouTube and Facebook channels.

Interim Head Coach Louis Deacon on Lark Atkin-Davies’ milestone appearance:
“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.”

On the first matchday squad of 2023/24, Deacon added:
“We have had a very positive pre-season and we are pleased with the progress we have made as a Red Roses group, on and off the field. This match is the beginning of a new journey together as a squad, against a Canada side with a lot of world-class attributes.

“Sandy Park is always a great venue to play at and the fans have been incredible every time we have been down there. Everyone is relishing the opportunity that awaits and can’t wait to take to the field on Saturday.”