Ellie Kildunne has been named among the replacements for England’s match against the United States on Friday, despite head coach John Mitchell making six changes to the starting line-up.
The 27-year-old full-back was left out of the starting team for England’s 31-22 defeat by Canada in Ottawa last Saturday after Mitchell said she needed to demonstrate “greater consistency”.
Kildunne, who plays for Bristol Bears, will again begin the match on the bench, with Emma Sing retaining her place at full-back.
Six Changes Made to England Starting Team
Mitchell has made four changes among the backs, with Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Flo Robinson and Holly Aitchison all receiving their first starts of the tour.
In the forwards, Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir have been selected to replace Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern.
The changes follow England’s defeat against Canada and come ahead of Friday’s fixture against the USA in New Jersey.
Mitchell Explains Selection Decisions
Mitchell said England were aiming to make a strong start to the next phase of their campaign as the team prepares for a period without a Test match before the Women’s Six Nations.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the changes were intended to refresh the squad, give players opportunities and strengthen competition for places.
“We’re rotating some positions this week to refresh the group, create opportunities and continue building our depth,” Mitchell said.
He added that selection decisions were based on the team’s requirements for the match, the standards expected of players and the performance England were preparing to deliver.
“Everyone has a role, and everyone is accountable for our standards,” he said.
Kildunne’s Record With the Red Roses
Kildunne has earned 67 caps for England and was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2024.
She also played a prominent role in England’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup triumph.
Despite her record with the Red Roses, she has not been selected to start either of the team’s most recent matches, with Sing retaining the full-back position for the USA fixture.
England Team to Face the USA
Starting XV: Emma Sing; Mia Venner, Meg Jones, Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald; Holly Aitchison, Flo Robinson; Mackenzie Carson, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Rosie Talling, Abbie Ward, Alex Burton, Sadia Kabeya, Kelsey Feaunati.
Replacements: Lark Atkin-Davies, Hannah Botterman, Sarah Bern, Morwenna Talling, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Zoe Harrison, Ellie Kildunne.
