As the Women's Six Nations 2025 kicks off, excitement surrounds England's opening match against Italy, where rising star Jade Shekells is set to make her mark. The 28-year-old Beverly Sevens player has earned a spot on the bench, giving her the chance to debut in the XV-a-side international competition. Joining her are four other uncapped players among the 37-women squad helmed by interim coach John Mitchell.
Shekells, who represented the Great Britain team in the Tokyo Olympics, might take to the field in the centers should she be called upon during the match in York, which is set for Sunday, March 23 at 15:00 GMT. Another uncapped player, 23-year-old Flo Robinson from Exeter Chiefs, will join her in supporting roles on the bench. Emma Sing, fresh from leading her club Gloucester-Hartpury to a successive premiership title, will add her prowess to the wing as she earns only her second cap.
A standout player to watch will be Zoe Aldcroft, who steps in as captain in the absence of the suspended Marlie Packer. Aldcroft’s leadership will be crucial as England aims to secure victory in search of their seventh consecutive Women's Six Nations title. The back row will be bolstered by Aldcroft alongside dynamic playmakers like Helena Rowland, who will now take on fly-half duties.
Rowland's versatility as a player is noteworthy, as she has been keenly pushing for the role, making her an offensive threat. Mitchell believes that this opportunity allows her to shine, stating, "She's definitely versatile but she wants to play at 10 and she sees herself as a 10. She's been keen as mustard and knocking my door down so she's been given the opportunity." Meanwhile, Aldcroft expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of every test match ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
With the Six Nations tournament coinciding with preparations for the Rugby World Cup scheduled later this year in August, this competition is pivotal for Mitchell’s strategy as he aims to build a robust squad. The England coach stated, "2025 starts with the end in mind. It's important to realize we'll need two teams to operate this year to play 13 test matches. We wouldn't call it rotation. It's one team operating as two. The planning is very much around that and it would be stupid not to plan with that in mind." This method of squad management will undoubtedly provide the players with ample opportunities to exhibit their skills effectively.
Looking to exhibit their might against Italy, last year England showcased their dominance with a memorable 48-0 victory in Parma, and aspirations to build on that legacy remain high. As the players take their positions on the field, fans can expect a fierce display of talent and strategy. Italy finished fifth in last year’s tournament, and while English expectations soar, they still need to stay vigilant to claim the victory.
Interestingly, England will be without key player Alex Matthews, who received a three-game ban due to a dangerous tackle in a recent match. This absence, however, opens additional opportunities for other players to step up, boosting the competition for spots on the team.
Headed toward yet another thrilling season, England fans and the rugby community alike can look forward to outstanding performances, updates, and coverage across various platforms. Not only will the matches be broadcast live on the BBC, but viewers can also catch the action free through the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. The upcoming matches promise to deliver six exhilarating rounds of rugby, culminating in the eagerly anticipated final weekend at the end of April.
As the England squad prepares for the opener against Italy, all eyes are on the new roster, particularly the blend of seasoned players and emerging talent such as Shekells and Robinson. The dynamic of this mix highlights John Mitchell's keen eye for recruitment and his commitment to nurturing the next wave of internationals.
The excitement is palpable, with expectations running high for a successful campaign that builds toward the World Cup later in the year. As Shekells and her teammates take on this challenge, the stakes are elevated, transcending mere matches; they represent a commitment to excellence and a long-standing legacy in women's rugby.
In summary, Sunday’s fixture against Italy not only poses a realistic chance for a triumph in the Women's Six Nations but also sets the ground for an exciting journey leading toward the World Cup. With key players poised to shine and a solid plan in the wings, England's rugby future looks bright.
