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.<\/p>\n
Jones takes over the role from Zoe Stratford, who is expecting her first child, and will lead the Red Roses\u2019 hunt for a fifth consecutive Grand Slam.<\/p>\n
The Red Roses<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Red Roses name 25 World Cup winners in Six Nations squad amid captaincy change<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Commenting on his squad, Mitchell said: \u201cIt\u2019s great to be back together, ready to earn the right again following the Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n \u201cThe impact of the tournament across the country has been outstanding, and it\u2019s reflected in the incredible ticket sales \u2013 not just for our matches at Allianz Stadium and Ashton Gate, but across the Six Nations<\/a> as a whole.<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re excited by the energy the younger players will bring into the squad, and alongside our experienced players.<\/p>\n PREM Rugby round 11: Predictions, teams, kick-off times, how to watch and referee appointments<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWhat 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just down to who is going to take the handbrake off, attack it, and expresses themselves in our game.\u201d<\/p>\n On giving Jones the captaincy, Mitchell added: \u201cMeg 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.<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n \u201cNot only is Meg highly respected, but she also consistently produces high-level performances and leads by example every time she takes to the field.\u201d<\/p>\n Also commenting, Trailfinders back Jones said: \u201cFirstly, I\u2019m really excited for Zoe and wish her and Strats every happiness on their news.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019s a great feeling to have his trust to lead the group along with a tight leadership team.<\/p>\n