England's Women's Six Nations squad, hit by a string of injuries, has received a welcome boost with the return of centre Jade Shekells. The 29-year-old, who featured for Great Britain Sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has been sidelined for the opening three matches of the campaign due to a hamstring injury.
With Tatyana Heard—who started the World Cup final in the centres alongside Meg Jones—ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury, versatile back Helena Rowland has deputised at inside centre for the victories over Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
While Shekells strengthens England's midfield options, the back five of the scrum remain a concern. Flanker Sadia Kabeya, who sustained a chest and shoulder muscle injury against Wales, is continuing her rehabilitation with the squad in the hope of featuring later in the tournament. Fellow back-rower Alex Matthews and second-row Lilli Ives Campion are also carrying shoulder and knee complaints respectively.
Bristol teenager Demelza Short replaced Kabeya off the bench at Ashton Gate and could be in line for a more extended role alongside 36-year-old Marlie Packer in the back row. England are particularly thin in the second row, with Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Rosie Galligan all pregnant, and Morwenna Talling ruled out for the tournament after a leg injury in the opening round.
After a break weekend, the Red Roses—on a 36-match winning streak and chasing an eighth successive Six Nations title—travel to Parma to face Italy on 9 May.
In other news, Canada have confirmed they will host England at the 28,000-capacity BMO Field in Toronto on 16 October. The fixture follows England's previously announced home match against Canada in Exeter as part of the new WXV Global Series, which will mark the teams' first meeting since the Red Roses won the World Cup final.