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England Faces Setback Ahead of Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam Decider

In a significant blow for England’s hopes in the upcoming Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam showdown against France at Twickenham this Saturday, star full-back Ellie Kildunne has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Kildunne, who has made a remarkable impact in this championship with four tries from four appearances, was also recently honored as the 2024 World Women’s Player of the Year, underscoring her pivotal role in the team.

Emma Sing is set to step in for Kildunne, marking her third start for the Red Roses. Sing previously started in the 2023 Six Nations match against Wales and again during the current campaign against Italy.

Beyond Kildunne’s absence, the England squad reveals considerable changes with eight personnel adjustments for the critical contest. Tatyana Heard is returning to the inside-centre position, replacing Jade Shekells. The half-back positions also see a shift, with Zoe Harrison and Natasha Hunt taking over from Holly Aitchison and Lucy Packer, both of whom will now begin the match from the bench.

In the forward pack, the props have been rotated; Hannah Botterman will start in place of Kelsey Clifford at loosehead, and Maud Muir takes over from Sarah Bern at tighthead. Morwenna Talling will start at lock, taking over from Rosie Galligan, while adjustments in the back row see Maddie Feaunati moving to openside, Alex Matthews stepping in at No. 8, and Marlie Packer completely out of the matchday squad.

Zoe Aldcroft continues her leadership role, captaining the side from blindside flanker, marking her fifth consecutive Test as captain.

Matchday Squad for England

Red Roses: 15 Emma Sing, 14 Abby Dow, 13 Megan Jones, 12 Tatyana Heard, 11 Claudia MacDonald, 10 Zoe Harrison, 9 Natasha Hunt; 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 3 Maud Muir, 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Abbie Ward, 6 Zoe Aldcroft (c), 7 Maddie Feaunati, 8 Alex Matthews.

Replacements: 16 Amy Cokayne, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Sarah Bern, 19 Rosie Galligan, 20 Abi Burton, 21 Lucy Packer, 22 Holly Aitchison, 23 Helena Rowland.

Upcoming Fixtures for Red Roses’ Women’s Six Nations 2025

Here’s a look at the recent match results:

• Sunday, March 23: Red Roses 38-5 Italy
• Saturday, March 29: Wales 12-67 Red Roses
• Saturday, April 12: Ireland 5-49 Red Roses
• Saturday, April 19: Red Roses 59-7 Scotland
• Saturday, April 26: Red Roses vs France at 4.45pm

France Adjust Squad for Grand Slam Clash

France is also preparing for this eagerly awaited confrontation, having made changes to their lineup. Two adjustments have been made in their forward pack due to the absence of Romane Menager and Seraphine Okemba.

Lea Champon will make her first start of the 2025 Women’s Six Nations at openside flanker. Charlotte Escudero returns to blindside flanker after her stint against Italy, and this will mark just Champon’s second Test start, with her first occurring against Australia in October 2023.

In the backline, the established partnership of half-backs Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Carla Arbez remains unchanged, while Kelly Arbey returns to the wing alongside Joanna Grisez, who is set to start again after her successful return to the squad with a try against Italy.

British & Irish Lions Tour on Sky Sports

Sky Sports will present the exclusive coverage of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, including all three Test matches against the Wallabies and six warm-up games, available live.

British and Irish Lions 2025 Tour Schedule

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