England centre Megan Jones (L) celebrates after their 33-13 Women's Rugby World Cup final win over Canada at Twickenham last year

London (AFP) - England’s starting lineup will feature only seven Women’s Rugby World Cup winners when they begin their Six Nations title defence against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Red Roses return to Twickenham, with 75,000 tickets already sold for the match – a new attendance record for the tournament, having lifted the World Cup there last September.

Outside centre Meg Jones leads England for the first time after replacing former captain Zoe Aldcroft, who is pregnant with her first child.

Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach are in the back three and four forwards who started the 33-13 victory over Canada – Amy Cokayne, Morwenna Talling, Sadia Kabeya and Alex Matthews – are in the pack.

Holly Aitchison and Lucy Packer combine at half-backs, with Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison providing cover from the bench.

Veteran forwards Hannah Botterman and Marlie Packer are absent from the matchday 23 entirely but teenage No 8 Haineala Lutui could make her debut off the bench.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be returning to Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) in front of our fans for the first time since the World Cup final,” said England coach John Mitchell after announcing his team on Thursday.

“We’ve all felt the lasting impact of 2025 and that’s reflected in the incredible ticket sales for Saturday’s match.

“The players relish and absolutely deserve the opportunity to perform in front of record crowds, but they also understand the responsibility that comes with that stage.”

England are on a record run of 33 consecutive wins since losing the Covid-delayed 2022 World Cup final to New Zealand and they are bidding for an eighth consecutive Six Nations title.

England team (15-1)

Ellie Kildunne; Jess Breach, Megan Jones (capt), Helena Rowland, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald; Holly Aitchison, Lucy Packer; Alex Matthews, Sadia Kabeya, Maddie Feaunati; Lilli Ives Campion, Morwenna Talling; Sarah Bern, Amy Cokayne, Kelsey Clifford

Replacements: Connie Powell, Mackenzie Carson, Maud Muir, Haineala Lutui, Abi Burton, Natasha Hunt, Zoe Harrison, Emma Sing

Coach: John Mitchell (NZL)