flag
back Back
Red Roses make six changes but Kildunne on bench again
Ellie Kildunne #23 of England looks on against Canada during the second half of a WXV Global Series match at TD Place Stadium on October 23, 2026 in Ottawa, Canada.
Ellie Kildunne scored two tries and two assists in the last meeting with the USA in August 2025

Ellie Kildunne has been named on the England bench for their fixture against the USA, despite head coach John Mitchell making six changes to his side.

The 27-year-old full-back was dropped for the 31-22 defeat by Canada last Saturday, with Mitchell saying she needed to show "greater consistency".

Despite the loss in Ottawa, Bristol Bears star Kildunne will once again have to settle for a place on the bench for Friday's match against the USA in New Jersey, with Emma Sing retaining her spot.

With 67 England caps to her name, Kildunne was named World Rugby's player of the year in 2024, and starred in the Red Roses' 2025 World Cup victory.

Four of Mitchell's changes are to the backs, with Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Flo Robinson and Holly Aitchison handed their first starts of the tour, while forwards Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir replace Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern.

"Our intent is to start this next phase strongly against the USA, with six months until our next Test in the Women's Six Nations," said Mitchell.

"We're rotating some positions this week to refresh the group, create opportunities and continue building our depth.

"Selection is driven by what the team needs against the USA, the behaviours we value and the performance we're preparing to deliver.

"Everyone has a role, and everyone is accountable for our standards."

You may like

Pasifika pride finds a home at Rugby League World Cup: ‘Passion brings us together’

theguardian.com 2 hours ago

Ollie Chessum signs £500,000-a-year deal to stay at Leicester

aol.com 2 hours ago

LONG READ: 'England has yet to see the best of Marcus Smith - George Furbank could make it happen'

rugbypass.com 8 hours ago

Not going to Athlone to lose: Johannes-Haupt backs tweaked Bok Women to level Ireland series

iol.co.za 1 hour ago

Rugby World Cup carrot: Why Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph backs All Blacks to fire in 2027

stuff.co.nz 11 hours ago

'Everyone makes mistakes' – Why Pat Lam gave sacked Totoa Auvaa a fresh start at Bristol Bears

bristolpost.co.uk 1 hour ago

Farebrother meet launched

fijitimes.com.fj 14 hours ago

Ruben Love's injury has set the All Blacks back

rugbypass.com 16 hours ago

From Swiss Army Knife to specialist: Jan-Hendrik Wessels faces ultimate Springbok Test

iol.co.za 6 hours ago