Arabic version: إنجلترا تكشف عن تشكيلتها الجديدة لمباراة افتتاح بطولة الأمم الستة للسيدات

England utility back Helena Rowland will start at inside centre in a much-changed team for their Women’s Six Nations opener against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. According to BBC News, the team has undergone eight changes since their World Cup victory over Canada in September.

Centre Tatyana Heard, 31, has been a regular under head coach John Mitchell and is sidelined due to a foot injury. Rowland, who has played for her country in every backline position other than scrum-half, is set to play a crucial role in the centre alongside captain Megan Jones. The match is expected to draw a crowd of over 75,000, marking England’s first game since their World Cup triumph.

The half-back pairing has also changed, with Lucy Packer and Holly Aitchison coming in for Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison. Notably, Loughborough Lightning’s Lilli Ives Campion replaces Bristol Bears’ Abbie Ward, who is one of four England women’s players to announce they are pregnant. The inclusion of younger players like 19-year-old Haineala Lutui hints at a focus on future talent.

England, currently on a 33-game winning streak, seeks to secure their eighth consecutive Six Nations title and fifth Grand Slam. The match against Ireland is set to kick off at 14:25 BST on April 11, 2026, with live coverage available on BBC One and other platforms.