Ellie Kildunne has been named among the England replacements for their upcoming match against the USA, even as head coach John Mitchell implements six changes to his starting lineup.
Lineup Adjustments and Kildunne’s Status
The full-back was previously left out of the team for a recent 31-22 loss against Canada, with Mitchell stating at the time that she needed to display greater consistency. Even following the defeat in Ottawa, the Bristol Bears player will remain on the bench for Friday’s fixture in New Jersey as Emma Sing keeps her starting position.
With 67 caps for her country, Kildunne earned the title of World Rugby player of the year in 2024 and played a key role in the Red Roses’ 2025 World Cup triumph.
Changes Across the Squad
Four of the adjustments made by Mitchell occur in the backline. Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Flo Robinson, and Holly Aitchison receive their first starts of the tour. In the forward pack, Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir step in to replace Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern.
“Our intent is to start this next phase strongly against the USA, with six months until our next Test in the Women’s Six Nations,” said Mitchell, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“We’re rotating some positions this week to refresh the group, create opportunities and continue building our depth.”
“Selection is driven by what the team needs against the USA, the behaviours we value and the performance we’re preparing to deliver. Everyone has a role, and everyone is accountable for our standards.”
Match Squad
The starting England XV features Sing at full-back, alongside wingers Venner and Jones, centres Heard and Moloney-MacDonald, half-backs Aitchison and Robinson, and a forward pack comprising Carson, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ives Campion, Burton, Kabeya, and Feaunati.
The replacements bench consists of Field, Botterman, Bern, Short, Matthews, Hunt, Harrison, and Kildunne.
