Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has included 25 players who won the Rugby World Cup in his wider 38-player training squad for the Six Nations, with centre Meg Jones also named as captain.
Jones takes over the role from Zoe Stratford, who is expecting her first child, and will lead the Red Roses’ hunt for a fifth consecutive Grand Slam.
The Red Roses begin their Six Nations title defence against Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, before facing Scotland, Wales at Ashton Gate, Italy and France. At the time of writing, over 67,000 tickets have already been sold for their opener on home soil.
Red Roses name 25 World Cup winners in Six Nations squad amid captaincy change
Mitchell has kept the bulk of that World Cup-winning group together ahead of this Championship, with the likes of Hannah Botterman, Sadia Kabeya, Marlie Packer, Sarah Bern, Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach included in the squad.
But, the England boss has also named seven uncapped players in the wider squad, with Christiana Balogun, Millie David, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Sarah Parry, Demelza Short and Jodie Verghese also called into the wider training group.
Commenting on his squad, Mitchell said: “It’s great to be back together, ready to earn the right again following the Rugby World Cup.
“The impact of the tournament across the country has been outstanding, and it’s reflected in the incredible ticket sales – not just for our matches at Allianz Stadium and Ashton Gate, but across the Six Nations as a whole.
“As Red Roses, what comes next is a fresh start. The Six Nations is hugely important to us, and we know success in this competition has to be earned every time.
“We’re excited by the energy the younger players will bring into the squad, and alongside our experienced players.
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“What is important to me is to stay open-minded about player combinations and I will observe how people compete against each other and deal with that type of pressure.
“It’s just down to who is going to take the handbrake off, attack it, and expresses themselves in our game.”
On giving Jones the captaincy, Mitchell added: “Meg reflects our values; her personality, capabilities and leadership are hugely valuable to the Red Roses squad. She brings an infectious energy that lifts those around her and has had a huge influence on our culture and connections over the past three years.
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“Not only is Meg highly respected, but she also consistently produces high-level performances and leads by example every time she takes to the field.”
Also commenting, Trailfinders back Jones said: “Firstly, I’m really excited for Zoe and wish her and Strats every happiness on their news.
“It’s a huge honour to have been named captain of the Red Roses. Mitch and I have built a strong relationship over the past three years and it’s a great feeling to have his trust to lead the group along with a tight leadership team.
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“I’m buzzing to get back in camp with the girls for the Six Nations. I’ll just be the same old Meg and know I’ll have great support from Zoe, the leaders and the whole squad.”
Jones is also joined by Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews in a new-look leadership group.
Red Roses Six Nations squad in full
Forwards: Christiana Balogun, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Liz Hanlon, Daisy Hibbert-Jones, Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Haineala Lutui, Alex Matthews, Annabel Meta, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Connie Powell, Demelza Short, Morwenna Talling, Jodie Verghese
Backs: Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Millie David, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Mo Hunt, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Sarah Parry, Flo Robinson, Helena Rowland, Emma Sing, Mia Venner, Bo Westcombe-Evans