Red Roses welcome back Amy Cokayne for record-breaking Canada clash

Amy Cokayne will make her first appearance of the WXV Global Series 2026 when the Red Roses face Canada in Toronto on Friday night.

The hooker missed September’s fixtures against Australia, Canada and New Zealand through injury. She is joined in the starting XV by her new Sale Sharks teammate, Tatyana Heard.

Hannah Botterman and Abi Burton are the only other changes to the starting side that beat the Black Ferns 26-19 last time out.

Bristol Bears forward Demelza Short could make her first appearance of the autumn from the replacements, while Sadia Kabeya also returns after injury ruled her out of the clash at Allianz Stadium.

The last time the two teams met, Canada ended England’s winning run with a 26-26 draw at Sandy Park. Friday’s clash at BMO Field will set a new attendance record for a standalone women’s rugby match in North America.

Red Roses head coach John Mitchell said: “The first Test in Exeter gave us a valuable opportunity to test our game under pressure and identify where we can improve. As we continue to build towards 2029, our focus is on raising our level, strengthening our connections and continuing to evolve as a team.

“Playing in Toronto presents a different environment and challenge, and we’re excited by the opportunity to express our game, improve our performance and continue to grow as the Red Roses. We’re looking forward to the challenge of the second Test.”

Red Roses match day 23 v Canada | WXV Global Series 2026

15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 65 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 59 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 41 caps, captain)
12 Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 37 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 73 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 47 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 65 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 94 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 87 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 32 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 11 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 12 caps)
7 Alex Matthews (Gloucester Hartpury, 84 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps)

Replacements
16 Bryony Field (Saracens, 3 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester Hartpury, 31 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester Hartpury, 56 caps)
19 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
20 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps)
21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester Hartpury, 91 caps)
22 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 54 caps)
23 Emma Sing (Gloucester Hartpury, 17 caps)