Sports11 April, 20262 min read
England Red Roses pick 38-player Six Nations squad; Megan Jones captains in Stratford's absence
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38-player England Red Roses squad for 2026 Six Nations: 22 forwards, 16 backs. Megan Jones captains the team in Zoe Stratford's absence.
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Squad Leadership
England Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has announced a 38-player squad for the upcoming 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations Championship. Megan Jones has been appointed as captain in the absence of Zoe Stratford. Jones will be supported by vice-captains Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews.
“John Mitchell has announced a 38-player England Red Roses squad for the 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations. Yesterday it was confirmed that Megan Jones will captan the team in the absence of Zoe Stratford. Jones will be supported by vice-captains Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews.”
The squad will assemble at England Rugby Performance Centre at Pennyhill Park on Monday 23 March. Mitchell emphasized the importance of earning success in the competition 'every time'. The coach maintains an open-minded approach to player combinations.
Squad Experience
The selected squad boasts significant international experience with 1,143 Test caps. The team consists of 22 forwards and 16 backs. There are 25 Women's Rugby World Cup winners among the squad ranks.
Mitchell has included seven uncapped players to bring fresh energy. England begins their Six Nations defense against Ireland on April 11.
The match at Allianz Stadium has already sold over 67,000 tickets. This will likely surpass the previous tournament record crowd of 58,498.
New Players
Seven uncapped players have been included in the squad alongside several international recalls. The uncapped septet consists of Christiana Balogun, Millie David, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Sarah Parry, Demelza Short and Jodie Verghese. International recalls include Liz Hanlon and Connie Powell from Harlequins.
“Mitchell has included seven uncapped players players in the squad: Christiana Balogun, Millie David (both Bristol Bears), Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning), Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women), Sarah Parry (Harlequins), Demelza Short (Bristol Bears) and Jodie Verghese (Saracens).”
Other recalled players are Daisy Hibbert-Jones and Bo Westcombe Evans from Loughborough Lightning. Mia Venner from Gloucester Hartpury and Flo Robinson from Exeter Chiefs are also recalled. Powell is the most experienced recalled player with 19 Test caps.
Coaching Approach
Mitchell outlined his coaching philosophy for the tournament. He emphasized the need for players to 'take the handbrake off' and express themselves. The coach will maintain open-mindedness about player combinations.
Mitchell will observe how players compete under pressure and deal with game situations. Centre Jade Shekells and scrum-half Ella Wyrwas are initially left out due to injuries.
Both players might yet make a return before the end of the tournament. The second home fixture against Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol already has a record crowd confirmed.