Get to know: Who are the Red Roses' uncapped players?

When the Red Roses announced their 38-player training squad for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations there were seven uncapped players in its ranks.

Part of this is as a result of senior England internationals Lark Atkin-Davies, Zoe Stratford and Abbie Ward having all announced pregnancies in the wake of England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup win last September.

With Stratford unavailable for selection Megan Jones has been appointed England captain for 2026 by John Mitchell, with the World Rugby Coach of the Year freshening up his squad for the first tournament since his side became world champions last September.

There are three weeks until the Red Roses begin their Sx Nations campaign against Ireland at Allianz Stadium in front of what will be a tournament record crowd.

And there could be some new faces in that squad for the Championship opener.

Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears, back-row/lock, 28)

Christiana Balogun is five years older than the next-oldest uncapped player in this Red Roses squad. Outside of rugby she works in recruitment.

Back from an injury that kept her out for the first half of the season, she has been at the heart of Bristol Bears’ charge up the league ladder since February.

Her dynamism, physicality and defensive astuteness could make any team better. Including England.

What Mitchell said: “She has come back from injury recently and there’s been an upward turn in Bristol’s performances. I think a lot of it’s got to do with her physicality. She’s also a very good lineout forward.”

Millie David (Bristol Bears, wing, 20)

Already Millie David has nine tries to her name for Bristol Bears in PWR this season. Add that to her 17 from last term and that tells you what firepower England have on their hands.

After the retirement of Abby Dow following England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup success, the Red Roses need a wing to step into the breach.

One of the top talents emerging in her position, it was always a case of when, not if, the 20-year-old was going to earn a Test cap. It could be as soon as April.

What Mitchell said: “She’s got raw speed and power. She’s become stronger as a women in the last year, which is really great for her. We are just now just probably in a position where we can add another skillset to that speed she offers.”

Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, back-row/lock, 19)

To say that Haineala Lutui has burst on the scene this season for Loughborough Lightning would be doing her an injustice.

The youngest of Mitchell’s uncapped call-ups, Lutui has made a competition-high 198 carries for 446 metres in PWR. So far the teenager’s efforts have been rewarded two tries.

Now she is among Mitchell’s 38-player squad for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

What Mitchell said: “A very prominent carrier. I think we can speed up her game, but she definitely has a real presence in the carry and she seems to be a hard tackle for people.”

Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, prop, 20)

When England’s last Women’s Six Nations squad was announced Annabel Meta was playing in the back-row for Trailfinders Women.

Fast forward and the 20-year-old has been selected for a Red Roses camp as a loosehead prop. There is little doubt that pathways and senior coaching staff at Allianz Stadium rate the youngster highly.

With Hannah Botterman, Kelsey Clifford and Mackenzie Carson all in the squad and ahead of her in the pecking order, it would not be a surprise to see Meta have a supporting role this Spring.

What Mitchell said: “A very explosive prop. She brings acceleration, has a real desire to carry. I see a really good athlete in there.”

Sarah Parry (Harlequins, centre, 20)

This season Sarah Parry has established herself as one of the first players on Ross Chisholm’s team sheet for Harlequins.

The 20-year-old has a well rounded skillet and is just as comfortable being a strike runner as she is as a playmaking option for her club.

What Mitchell said: “Can be direct and has good distribution. She’s got a good kick as well. She’s played a bit of fly-half in her career as well.”

Demelza Short (Saracens, lock/back-row, 19)

Teenage forward Demelza Short has come from virtually nowhere to claim a place in this England squad.

With England down on numbers in the second row it appears that Short will be competing for places in the matchday 23 with Lilli Ives Campion, Morwenna Talling and Jodie Verghese.

Capable of operating in the back-row too, it is Short’s defence that has primarily caught the eye of Mitchell.

What Mitchell said: “She just looks really, really physical. I really like the way that she hits the tackle. She seems to be a breathe of fresh air.”

Jodie Verghese (Saracens, lock, 23)

It was only in December that Jodie Verghese made her PWR debut for Saracens.

Since then the 23-year-old has become an important figure for Alex Austerberry’s team as the likes of Rosie Galligan and Laetitia Royer have drifted in and out of fitness.

Only having joined the North Londoners in the summer, it is very clear that Mitchell rates the England Students international.

What Mitchell said: “I really like her movement. I think that she has got so much potential in her, but she’s a great height for us as well. She’s very athletic for a woman that hasn’t played rugby for a long time. Coming into our environment she’ll excel.”