Red Roses: Ellie Kildunne named on bench for second England match in a row
BBC Sport reports on the latest developments in the world of Rugby Union, specifically regarding the England women's team, known as the Red Roses.
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Red Roses make six changes but Kildunne on bench again
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Ellie Kildunne scored two tries and two assists in the last meeting with the USA in August 2025
By Ella Gibbs, BBC Sport journalist
Published 23 minutes ago
Ellie Kildunne has been selected on the England bench for their upcoming match against the USA, despite head coach John Mitchell making six changes to the starting lineup.
The 27-year-old full-back, who was dropped for England's 31-22 defeat by Canada last Saturday, will once again have to wait for a starting position. Emma Sing retains her spot in the team.
With 67 England caps, Kildunne was named World Rugby's Player of the Year in 2024 and played a pivotal role in the Red Roses' 2025 World Cup victory.
Changes for England
Four of Mitchell's changes are to the backs, with Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Flo Robinson, and Holly Aitchison all making their first starts of the tour. 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."
England team to face USA
England:
Sing; Venner, Jones, Heard, Moloney-MacDonald; Aitchison, Robinson; Carson, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ives Campion, Burton, Kabeya, Feaunati
Replacements:
Field, Botterman, Bern, Short, Matthews, Hunt, Harrison, Kildunne