England bench Ellie Kildunne for Canada rematch
England drops star full‑back Ellie Kildunne to the bench for the Ottawa test against Canada after a 24‑21 loss.
Key facts
- Ellie Kildunne was moved to the bench for the final WXV Global Series test against Canada, according to The Guardian, Sky Sports and BBC Sport.
- Head coach John Mitchell cited a need for consistency and competition as reasons for the change, according to the same outlets.
- Emma Sing will start at full‑back, replacing Kildunne, and Mia Venner will start at wing, according to BBC Sport.
- The decision follows England’s 24‑21 defeat in Toronto that ended a 41‑match unbeaten streak, reported by The Guardian and Sky Sports.
- Kildunne has started all nine England matches in 2026 before this benching, according to The Guardian.
England’s women, known as the Red Roses, lost 24‑21 to Canada in Toronto, ending a 41‑match unbeaten run, according to The Guardian. The match was part of the WXV Global Series, and Canada had also drawn 26‑26 in Exeter earlier this season, according to Sky Sports.
Head coach John Mitchell moved Ellie Kildunne to the bench for the Ottawa test, according to Sky Sports. Mitchell said Kildunne is "going through a difficult period" and needs to become more consistent, according to The Guardian and BBC Sport.
Emma Sing will start at full‑back, replacing Kildunne, and Mia Venner will start at wing, according to BBC Sport. Sadia Kabeya will start at openside flanker, while Alex Matthews will be on the bench, according to Sky Sports.
Other changes include dropping Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and Tatyana Heard from the squad, and bringing Helena Rowland back at inside‑centre, according to BBC Sport. Mitchell emphasized the need to reinforce behaviours and create competition within the team, according to The Guardian.
Context
England’s women, known as the Red Roses, lost 24‑21 to Canada in Toronto, ending a 41‑match unbeaten run. The upcoming Ottawa test is the final match of the WXV Global Series before England meets the USA on 30 October.
How outlets headlined it
How this was made
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