Loughborough Lightning’s Helena Rowland and Lilli Ives Campion have been named in John Mitchell’s starting squad to face Samoa on Saturday (31 August, kick-off: 5pm BST) at their home stadium for Loughborough Lightning, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, with Sadia Kabeya set to appear off the bench.
It’s a first-ever World Cup appearance for Ives Campion, who will mark the special occasion at packed-out home Cinch Stadium.
Rowland has recovered from her ankle injury to start in her second World Cup, having featured in the previous tournament in New Zealand.
Kabeya will appear off the bench for her 25th cap after a brilliant performance last weekend against the USA in Sunderland.
On the selection, John Mitchell said: “It has been in our planning to give everyone game time over the first two pool matches and, bar Holly, we’ve been able to execute that with this selection.
“Our new combination wants to make each other proud and build on our performance against the USA in our opening match.
“It will be a great atmosphere for them at one of the most traditional rugby grounds in the country. They’re all excited to get out there.”
Red Roses vs Samoa
Saturday 31 August, 2025
cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 5pm BST
15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 11 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 48 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 28 caps)
12 Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 35 caps)
10 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 41 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 34 caps)
1 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 16 caps)
2 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 69 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 74 caps)
4 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 3 caps) World cup debut
5 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 26 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 3 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 111 caps) - captain
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps)
Replacements:
16 May Campbell (Saracens, 4 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 21 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 43 caps)
19 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 24 caps)
20 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 24 caps)
21 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 83 caps)
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 60 caps)
23 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 54 caps)
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