The Loughborough Lightning pairing of Sadia Kabeya and Helena Rowland have been selected in England’s matchday squad for their Rugby World Cup 2025 Semi-Final against France.
Kabeya packs down at openside flanker on the occasion of her 27th cap while Rowland is set to move to 45 appearances for her county in Saturday’s last-four encounter at Ashton Gate (kick-off: 3.30pm).
Fullback Ellie Kildunne and prop Hannah Botterman return to the starting XV after missing the Quarter-Final victory over Scotland, while fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward are promoted from the replacements.
Head coach John Mitchell said: “Ashton Gate set the stage for a strong performance in tough conditions last weekend, and the girls are eager to get back out there for the semi-final.
“We’ve earned this stage, and now we’ve got another chance to earn the right. Our game is working and is the right way; by working together we’ll keep getting better.
“France have faced challenges, and that will drive them - we expect it. We don’t need to be perfect, just effective, focused, and ready for the fight. We’re excited and ready to hunt them.”
Red Roses team to play France
Saturday 20 September, 2025
Kick-Off: 3.30pm BST
Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
Rugby World Cup Semi-Final
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 55 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Unattached, 57 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 31 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 34 caps)
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 51 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 63 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 85 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 60 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 87 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 46 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 26 caps)
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 79 caps)
6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 67 caps) - captain
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 26 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 79 caps)
Replacements
16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 72 caps)
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 19 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 77 caps)
19 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 29 caps)
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 21 caps)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 37 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 42 caps)
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 44 caps)
Loughborough Lightning’s Rugby World Cup stars will be returning to club action for the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, and you can watch them in action at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens with a Lightning Season Ticket priced* from just £65 (adult) and £30 juniors by clicking HERE!
*Season Ticket prices are subject to a booking fee of £2.50 per Season Ticket, plus £10 admin fee for Direct Debit.
