Holly Aitchison reaches Red Roses milestone as major stars return from injury

Holly Aitchison will earn her 50th cap for the Red Roses take on the Wallaroos in their WXV Global Series opener on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Sale Sharks fly-half will start the fixture that takes place at Salford’s CorpAcq Stadium, just around the corner from her hometown of Southport and first-ever rugby club, Firewood Waterloo.

She is one of five changes to the squad that wrapped up Guinness Women’s Six Nations success at the end of May in Bordeaux.

There is return for Natasha Hunt in the scrum-half jersey. The veteran half-back managed just 13 minutes in this year’s Championship opener against Ireland, before a knee injury curtailed her season.

Another of those changes sees May Campbell get the nod at hooker. The Saracens front-row will earn her sixth cap and will be supported by her club teammate Bryony Field, who is in line for a Test debut, from the replacements.

Elsewhere in the pack, Lilli Ives Campion and Delaney Burns continue their partnership at lock, while Abi Burton, Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati are again the back-row combination.

Tatyana Heard gets her first Test appearance since the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final at Allianz Stadium, as is Hannah Botterman. Both missed the Women’s Six Nations campaign with injury.

Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Ellie Kildunne retain their starting slots from Bordeaux, but are this time joined by Mia Venner in the back three.

Head coach John Mitchell said: “I have very fond memories of the North West from my time with Sale Sharks so it’s awesome to be able to take our game to this part of the country.

“Playing in a different part of the country allows us to be present in the community and keeps the game healthy. You’ve not only got to be visible, but if you can actually be close to your community, I think that’s even better.

“Connection is such an important part of life, but particularly in sport. The girls have worked hard in pre-season to deepen their bond and that will make us stronger on the field. We’re excited to get our WXV Global Series underway and aim to excite and entertain.”

2026 WXV Global Series | England match day 23 v Australia

15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
14 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 38) – captain
12 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 36 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
10 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 89 caps)
1 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 28 caps)
2 May Campbell (Saracens, 5 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 84 caps)
4 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 6 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 9 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps) – vice captain
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 27 caps)

Replacements

16 Bryony Field (Saracens, uncapped)
17 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 53 caps)
19 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 29 caps)
20 Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 116 caps)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 44 caps)
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 70 caps)
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 51 caps)