England Women's Rugby Team Announces Line-Up for Test Match Against France

England head coach John Mitchell has unveiled a strong squad for the upcoming Women's Test match against France, set to take place at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester on Saturday, 7 September, with kick-off scheduled for 14:30 BST.

Mitchell has made two significant changes to the starting XV that secured a convincing 42-21 victory over France in April, clinching their third consecutive Six Nations Grand Slam. The new line-up features Exeter Chiefs' flanker Maddie Feaunati, who will make her first England start, replacing the injured Sadia Kabeya. In addition, Helena Rowland comes in for Megan Jones, who has been ruled out of the entire autumn campaign due to injury.

Kabeya and lock Catherine O'Donnell, who are also sidelined, are expected to return for the next Six Nations, along with Jones, whose absence will be keenly felt.

Feaunati, who celebrated her 22nd birthday in May, has previously contributed from the bench in all five of England's Six Nations matches this year, including a notable score against Ireland at Twickenham. “Maddie [Feaunati] came off the bench and played some good cameo roles during the Six Nations,” Mitchell told BBC Sport. “Now it is her time to stand up as a starter. I am sure there will be some nerves, but it is an opportunity for her to stake a place.”

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with updates available on BBC Radio 5 Extra. Fans can also follow text commentary, highlights, and reports on the BBC Sport website and app.

As England prepares to face a formidable French side, the inclusion of Feaunati and Rowland highlights Mitchell’s confidence in his squad’s depth and ability.