Abby Dow’s retirement leaves a gaping hole on the wing for the world champion Red Roses. The prolific try-scorer hung up her boots after the Rugby World Cup, taking 50 tries in 59 caps—and her blistering pace—with her. Now, head coach John Mitchell must solve a high-stakes puzzle before England launches its bid for an eighth straight Women’s Six Nations title against Ireland this Saturday.
“Abby was world class,” Mitchell stated bluntly. “Now we’ve got Claudia [Moloney-MacDonald], we’ve got Jess [Breach] who is also fantastic in the air. Then you have got the raw pace of Millie David, you’ve got the gas and swerve of Bo Westcombe-Evans and you’ve got Mia Venner, who is extremely good in her evasion and small-space rugby.”
The challenge isn’t a lack of options—it’s an overload of talent. Mitchell’s task is to balance raw speed, aerial prowess, and defensive grit across his back three. Let’s break down the five prime contenders.
The Incumbent: Jess Breach
Jess Breach has been a fixture under Mitchell since he took over in 2023. Her aerial skills make her a safe bet to retain one starting jersey. While not as prolific as Dow in recent seasons, Breach offers reliability and experience in big matches.
The Front-Runner: Claudia Moloney-MacDonald
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald emerges as the strong favorite for the opposite wing. A member of the World Cup-winning squad, she boasts 21 tries in 36 caps. Her game blends searing pace with physicality in tackles and at the breakdown—a dual threat that mirrors Dow’s impact.
The Speedster: Millie David
Nicknamed “Millie Whizz,” Bristol Bears flyer Millie David brings pure, unadulterated speed. The 21-year-old, also eligible for Australia, was Premiership Women’s Rugby’s breakthrough player last season, finishing as the league’s top try-scorer. This campaign, despite Bristol sitting eighth, David has crossed nine times—fifth in the PWR charts. Her raw acceleration could be a game-breaker.
The Evader: Mia Venner
Gloucester-Hartpury’s Mia Venner, with two caps, is the second-highest try-scorer in the PWR this season with 11 tries. Her club tops the table, thanks in part to her elusive running in tight spaces. Venner was on Mitchell’s radar for the World Cup and just missed selection—now she’s knocking loudly on the door.
The Comeback: Bo Westcombe-Evans
Bo Westcombe-Evans, 23, is roaring back from an ACL injury that wrecked her World Cup dreams. The Loughborough Lightning winger has scored 10 tries this season, fourth in the league. She announced her Red Roses debut with a try in September 2024 before the knee setback. Her combination of gas and swerve makes her a wildcard.
The Tactical Wildcard: Ellie Kildunne
Mitchell didn’t list this option, but shifting star full-back Ellie Kildunne to the wing remains a possibility. Emma Sing or Helena Rowland could slot in at 15. Kildunne’s try-scoring prowess from the backfield could be unleashed wider, adding another layer to England’s attack.
England’s depth is staggering—any of these choices could replicate Dow’s try-scoring feats. But Mitchell must nail the selection to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Squad Shake-Up: Beyond Dow’s Departure
Dow isn’t the only absence. Centre Emily Scarratt retired but joins the coaching staff as lead attack and backs coach, preserving her expertise. Three experienced players—captain Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Lark Atkin-Davies—are out due to pregnancy, stripping the squad of 224 combined caps. Centre Tatyana Heard is injured.
Yet, the Red Roses’ roster still averages 29 caps per player. With Stratford sidelined, Meg Jones steps up as captain, supported by deputies Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews. Jones, a 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, emphasized continuity. “I have worked with Zoe and all of the leadership girls before anyway so nothing really changes,” she said. “It’s about making sure everyone is on the same vision.”
New faces, a new captain, and a critical wing vacancy—but England remains the overwhelming favorite to dominate the Six Nations. Mitchell’s choice on the flank could define their campaign.
