Delaney Burns, a 24‑year‑old England second‑row, spoke candidly at a Red Roses connection meeting about her ‘short back and sides’ haircut at 15 and admitted she was nervous. Now preparing for a crucial match against Australia, she aims to add to her six caps after a patient wait for 2026 Six Nations inclusion. With several senior forwards pregnant or on maternity leave, the WXV Global Series offers Burns a chance to cement her role as an experienced line‑out leader and mentor younger players.

Off the field, she coaches girls in deprived Bristol areas through the Bristol Bears Foundation, addressing topics from menstrual cycles to mental health and social media safety, helping launch a South Bristol girls’ team of 50‑60 players. Her grandad, a lifelong supporter, will travel from Poole to watch her possible selection on Saturday. Burns reflects on balancing the rewarding yet demanding nature of her career, noting she should listen more to her own advice as she seeks to grow and strengthen her place in the competitive Red Roses squad.