Women's Six Nations: Olympian Jade Shekells set for first start – England team to play Scotland

04/16/2025 11:51 AM

England head coach John Mitchell has made nine changes ahead of the Red Roses' third-round clash in the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations. Jade Shekells will make her first start for England, in Saturday's showdown against Scotland at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

The Gloucester-Hartpury centre, who made her Red Roses debut off the bench in the opening 2025 W6N round win over Italy, will partner fellow Olympian Megan Jones in an all-GB Sevens midfield.

Shekells, 26, is one of three players from Team GB's 2024 Olympic Sevens squad named in the Red Roses' backline, joining tournament standout Ellie Kildunne and wing Claudia MacDonald. Kildunne, currently the competition's top try-scorer with four, retains her place at full-back, while Abby Dow — who leads the Six Nations in line breaks — starts on the right wing.

In the halfbacks, Lucy Packer returns at scrum-half alongside Holly Aitchison at fly-half, both contributing heavily to England's attacking firepower so far in the tournament. Packer is joint-top for try assists with four, and Aitchison is just behind on three.

Up front, Kelsey Clifford and Sarah Bern are promoted from the bench to start at prop, alongside experienced hooker Lark Atkin-Davies. Rosie Galligan comes into the second row to pair with Abbie Ward, while captain Zoe Aldcroft remains at blindside flanker. Vice-captain Marlie Packer — one try away from a milestone 50 international scores — returns at openside, with Maddie Feaunati rounding out the pack in the eight jersey.

Mitchell's bench is stacked with experience and firepower, including Red Roses centurion Emily Scarratt, who is in line for her 53rd Six Nations appearance, and dynamic back-row Alex Matthews who’s fresh off her return from injury.

England come into the fixture in dominant form after back-to-back wins over Italy and Wales. The Red Roses top the championship in attacking metrics including most 22m entries (51), most carries (412), and total metres gained (1,882). Defensively, they also lead the way with a tackle completion rate of 93.78%.

The Red Roses have won their last 25 Six Nations matches and will be heavy favourites to extend that run, against a Scotland side that has shown improvement but remains a step behind England's relentless pace and power.

Red Roses Starting XV to Face Scotland:

15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 51 caps)
14. Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 50 caps)
13. Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
12. Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, 1 cap)
11. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 33 caps)
10. Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 38 caps)
9. Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 29 caps)
1. Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 12 caps)
2. Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 64 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 69 caps)
4. Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 22 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 72 caps)
6. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 61 caps) – captain
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens, 109 caps)
8. Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)

Replacements:

16. May Campbell (Saracens, 2 caps)
17. Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 54 caps)
18. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 38 caps)
19. Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 20 caps)
20. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 73 caps)
21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 78 caps)
22. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 37 caps)
23. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 117 caps)

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WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES

• 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
• 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
• 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
• 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
• 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
• 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
• 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
• Additional events to be announced

The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.

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