Kildunne dropped as England reshuffle after Canada defeat
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 15:20 · Archive
England have dropped full-back Ellie Kildunne to the bench following their first defeat in four years to Canada.
England have made four changes to their starting XV following their 24-21 defeat to Canada in Toronto last Friday, which ended a 41-match unbeaten run. Full-back Ellie Kildunne, the 2024 World Player of the Year, has been dropped to the bench with Emma Sing taking her place. The other alterations to the backline see Helena Rowland return at inside-centre and Mia Venner come in at wing, replacing Tatyana Heard and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, who drop out of the matchday squad entirely. In the forwards, Sadia Kabeya starts at openside flanker, with Alex Matthews, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, moving to the replacements bench.
Head coach John Mitchell said the changes were necessary after the side 'lost sight of what we could control' during the defeat. 'This week is about getting back to who we are - hungry, accountable to each other and demanding more of ourselves than anyone outside this group ever could,' Mitchell said. Despite England's impressive record, he added that the Red Roses could not assume success was guaranteed going forward.
The rematch takes place in Ottawa on Saturday. Exeter's Flo Robinson and Sale's Hollie Aitchison have been included on the bench as new-look half-back replacements.
How it is being reported
- England star Kildunne dropped for Canada rematchEllie Kildunne has been dropped to the bench in the England Red Roses squad to face Canada on Friday, a week on from suffering defeat in Toronto which ended a 41-match unbeaten run.Sky Sports · 21 Oct, 15:00
- Kildunne drops to bench as England ring changesStar full-back Ellie Kildunne is dropped to the bench as England shake up selection in response to a first defeat in four years.BBC News · 21 Oct, 13:47
In this story: Ellie Kildunne · England Red Roses · Canada · John Mitchell · Emma Sing · Helena Rowland · Mia Venner · Sadia Kabeya
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