Jess Breach and Alex Matthews return to start for England's Red Roses against Canada in the first of three WXV Tests on Saturday, as head coach John Mitchell makes nine changes. Both played key roles in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup final win over Canada.

England face Canada on Saturday in Exeter, Friday October 16 in Toronto, and Friday October 23 in Ottawa. They also play New Zealand on Saturday September 26 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Hooker Bryony Field, who scored on debut last weekend against Australia, earns a first start in an all-changed front row with Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir. Morwenna Talling returns in the second row.

Lucy Packer starts at scrum-half with Zoe Harrison at fly-half. Helena Rowland returns to midfield alongside captain Meg Jones. Three Exeter Chiefs players - Claudia Moloney-Mac Donald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson - are in the squad as the Red Roses play at Sandy Park for the first time since September 2023.

"This is the first Test of an exciting three-Test series between the No 1 and No 3 teams in the world," Mitchell said. "You need rivalries in our sport and our rivalry with Canada is one that has evolved to a great level."