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England names 23-player squad for Canada WXV test

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 2:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sophie de Goede Leads

Sophie de Goede captains Canada against England in a WXV test at Exeter’s Sandy Park.
England coach John Mitchell selects a 23-player squad with 974 combined caps for the match.
England aim to extend their consecutive win streak to 40 matches.
Canada have lost 14 straight games to England since a 52-17 win in July 2016.
Canada opened WXV play with a 64-26 victory over Scotland in Edinburgh.

Summary

Bryony Field Starts

Bryony Field, a Huddersfield RFC product, makes her first international start at hooker for England.
Field’s debut follows a try-scoring bench appearance in a 48-15 win over Australia.
England’s front row is completely changed, with Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir joining Field.
The test marks England’s first appearance at Sandy Park since September 2023.
Vice-captain Alex Matthews returns at No 8 after scoring two tries in the 2025 World Cup final.

History

Historical Context

England claimed its second Women's Rugby World Cup title on 17 August 2014, beating Canada 21-9 in Paris. The victory followed New Zealand’s unexpected pool-stage loss, ending the Black Ferns’ run of four consecutive championships that began in 1998. The win cemented England’s rise after earlier finals appearances in 1991 and 1994 and set the stage for later odd-year tournaments.

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Sophie de Goede Leads

Sophie de Goede captains Canada against England in a WXV test at Exeter’s Sandy Park.
England coach John Mitchell selects a 23-player squad with 974 combined caps for the match.
England aim to extend their consecutive win streak to 40 matches.
Canada have lost 14 straight games to England since a 52-17 win in July 2016.
Canada opened WXV play with a 64-26 victory over Scotland in Edinburgh.

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