Ellie Kildunne passed fit as John Mitchell names unchanged England 23 for Canada Women's Rugby World Cup final showdown at sell-out Twickenham

England head coach John Mitchell has named his 23 for the Women's Rugby World Cup final against Canada on Saturday, with star full-back Ellie Kildunne passed fit. The showdown, at a sold-out Twickenham, will represent the biggest ever crowd for a women's rugby match.

'That's when big players stand up' - England 'buzzing' to perform in front of record crowd

Video credit: SNTV

Star full-back Ellie Kildunne has been passed fit for England's showdown with Canada in Saturday's Women's Rugby World Cup final.

Head coach John Mitchell has named an unchanged team as the Red Roses seek to capture the trophy on home soil at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in front of the biggest ever crowd for a women's rugby game.

England reached the final with a 35-17 victory over France, while Canada defeated holders New Zealand 34-19 in the other semi-final.

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Mitchell believes the large Twickenham crowd will be a significant landmark for the sport.

"Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage of the tournament," said Mitchell.

"Playing a World Cup final at Allianz Stadium in front of a record 82,000 is a significant milestone for the sport.

"We are well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is No. 1 versus No. 2 in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes.

"Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively."

England reached the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2022, but they fell to a heartbreaking defeat.

Lydia Thompson was shown an early red card, but The Red Roses rallied before ultimately losing a closely-fought contest 34-31.

Kildunne will be joined in the back three by wingers Jess Breach and Abby Dow.

Megan Jones and Tatyana Heard will start in the centres, with Zoe Harrison at fly-half and Natasha Hunt at scrum-half.

In the pack, Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, and Maud Muir make up the front row.

Morwenna Talling and Abbie Ward have been named in the engine room, with Zoe Aldcroft starting at six.

Sadia Kabeya is the other flanker and Alex Matthews will complete the back row at No. 8.

Red Roses team to play Canada

15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 56 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Unattached, 58 caps) 
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 32 caps) 
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 35 caps) 
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 52 caps) 
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 64 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 86 caps) 
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 61 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 88 caps) 
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 47 caps) 
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 27 caps) 
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 80 caps) 
6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 68 caps) - captain 
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 27 caps) 
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 80 caps) 

Replacements 

16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 73 caps) 
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 20 caps) 
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 78 caps) 
19 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 30 caps) 
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps) 
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 38 caps) 
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 43 caps) 
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 45 caps)

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