Head coach LJ Lewis and assistant coach Sarah McKenna have selected their England U21 Women’s squad to face Scotland on Matchday 1 of the 2026 Six Nations Women’s U21 Series.
Lewis’ side open the inaugural Series at the Hive Stadium, Edinburgh this Saturday (11:00 BST), with the game streamed live on the England Rugby YouTube channel.
Gloucester-Hartpury back-row forward Sophie McQueen continues on her leadership role as the side’s captain in the Scottish capital.
Carmela Morrall, Haidee Head and Jodie Verghese return to U21 action after training experience with the Red Roses, with Verghese and England U18 Women’s captain Honey Kerslake named amongst the replacements and set for their U21 debuts.
With previous U20 caps carrying over as representative honours, Alice Bennett, Zoë Dare, Haidee Head, Aisha Jah, Hayley Jones, Grace Keel and Solana Shaw de Leon are also in line for their first U21 caps this weekend. Replacements Ruby Winstanley and Tamsin Baynes could also earn their U21 debuts.
Keevy Fitzpatrick and Maddy Page are also added to the matchday squad that defeated Spain’s senior women’s side in preparation for the Six Nations.
England U21 Women continue their Six Nations Women’s U21 Series against Ireland (15:00 BST kick-off) at the Nick Newbold Stadium, Coventry on Saturday 2nd May.
LJ Lewis said: “Opening the Six Nations U21 Series is an exciting milestone for our pathway, and the squad has shown real courage and the right mindset coming out of a strong warm-up performance against Spain’s senior side.
“This tournament is a pivotal step in providing meaningful international game time, and we’re looking for the players to bring intensity in everything they do against Scotland.
“There’s a strong bond growing within this group, and Saturday is another great opportunity to see that come to life and grow on the field.”
Tickets to England’s Six Nations Women’s U21 Series home fixtures against Ireland and France are available now.
England U21 Women’s team to face Scotland (includes club, community club and previous U20 caps)
15 Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, uncapped)
14 Alice Bennett (Loughborough University, Peterborough RUFC, uncapped)
13 Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 2 caps)
12 Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 7 caps)
11 Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 1 cap) *
10 Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 7 caps)
9 Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 7 caps)
1 Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 10 caps)
2 Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
3 Aisha Jah (Bristol Bears, Mansfield, uncapped)
4 Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, uncapped)
5 Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, 2 caps)
6 Zoë Dare (Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC, uncapped) *
7 Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 3 caps)
8 Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, Easts Tigers Rugby Union, uncapped)
Replacements
16 Maddy Page (Harlequins, Buckingham RFC, 2 caps)
17 Zara Green (Harlequins, Lewes RFC, 2 caps)
18 Ruby Winstanley (Harlequins, Guildfordians RFC, uncapped)
19 Tamsin Baynes (Loughborough Lightning, Market Harborough RFC, uncapped)
20 Jodie Verghese (Saracens, Thurrock RFC, uncapped) *
21 Honey Kerslake (Nolli Waterman PDG, Exeter College, uncapped)
22 Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, 2 caps)
23 Millie Hyett (Bristol Bears, Evesham RFC, 8 caps)
*denotes an U23 player
England U21 Women’s 2026 Six Nations Series fixtures and results
Spain senior women 17-29 England U21 Women – Saturday 4th April – Estadio El Pantano, Villajoyosa
Round 1 – Scotland vs. England – Saturday 18th April, 11:00 BST kick-off – Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
Round 2 – England vs. Ireland – Saturday 2nd May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Nick Newbold Stadium, Coventry
Round 3 – England vs. France – Sunday 10th May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Goldington Road, Bedford
With thanks to the RFU
