Back-row pair parachuted into Red Roses training camp

Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has called Daisy Hibbert-Jones and Sophie McQueen into the team’s University of Nottingham training camp.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 are entering the third week of their WXV Global Series preparations. In September and October, England will play Canada three times, as well as the Black Ferns, Wallaroos and USA Women’s Eagles.

Hibbert-Jones, 23, earned one cap for England at WXV 1 in 2023 as the Red Roses claimed the inaugural title in New Zealand. Last season the back-row captained Loughborough Lightning in JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby to a sixth-place finish in the league.

McQueen, 21, captained England Under-21 at the Women’s U21 Six Nations Series earlier this year, previously captain England U18 and featured in two PWR fixtures last season. Earlier this summer, McQueen signed a contract extension at Kingsholm Stadium.

Dan Murphy, Gloucester Hartpury head of rugby, said: “Sophie is another fantastic example of what our pathway can produce. We’ve seen her develop over a number of years at Hartpury, and it’s been brilliant to watch her continue that progression into the PWR whilst establishing herself as a leader within the England pathway.

“She has an outstanding work ethic, is incredibly athletic and brings real physicality to our pack. Beyond her qualities as a player, Sophie’s leadership has continued to grow, and captaining England U21s this year is recognition of the character and standards she brings every day.”

In his first press conference of the season, Mitchell stated that players involved in WXV Global Series this September and October could be having an early audition for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

“There’s no tournament to win, so we can be very patient around how we go about things,” Mitchell said. “It’s kind of like you’re auditioning for Australia in ’29, because geographically we’re definitely going to be travelling some distance in this tournament.

“I think in many ways we’re trying to mirror that and understand how important our connections are and play exciting rugby. We’re tweaking our game – evolving it. But it’s very clear. The girls [are] showing enthusiasm around building and developing their skillsets for our game.

“I want to see people compete. Because, ultimately, they’ll earn the trust when it comes to ’29.”