Loughborough Lightning’s Sadia Kabeya and Helena Rowland have been named in England’s matchday squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup Final this weekend.
The Red Roses take on Canada at a sold-out Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday (27 September, kick-off: 4pm BST) and will do so with Kabeya packing down at openside flanker on the occasion of her 28th senior cap.
The versatile talents of club-mate Rowland will once more fill the number 23 shirt for her 46th cap as John Mitchell’s side go in search of a record-extending 33rd straight victory that would secure them a third World Cup triumph; following their victorious campaigns in 1994 and 2014.
Head coach Mitchell, who has named an unchanged 23-player squad from the semi-final win over France, said: “Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage of the tournament. Playing a World Cup final at Allianz Stadium in front of a record 82,000 is a significant milestone for the sport.
“We are well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is number one versus number two in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes. Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively.”
Red Roses team to play Canada
Saturday 27 September, 2025
Kick-Off: 4pm BST
Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Rugby World Cup Final
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 56 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Unattached, 58 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 32 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 35 caps)
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 52 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 64 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 86 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 61 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 88 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 47 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 27 caps)
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 80 caps)
6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 68 caps) - captain
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 27 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 80 caps)
Replacements :
16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 73 caps)
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 20 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 78 caps)
19 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 30 caps)
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 38 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 45 caps)
Loughborough Lightning’s Rugby World Cup stars will be back on club duty by the time they start their 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby home games at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday 2 November (kick-off: 1pm) against Sale Sharks. To make sure you do not miss out, purchase 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.
