Abby Dow’s retirement leaves a gaping hole in England’s backline. The Red Roses winger racked up 50 tries in 59 caps, her lightning pace a trademark of the world champions’ attack. Now, head coach John Mitchell must solve a pressing puzzle: who steps into those boots as England chase an eighth straight Women’s Six Nations title?
“Abby was world class,” Mitchell stated. “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.”
Mitchell’s conundrum isn’t a lack of options—it’s an abundance. Jess Breach has been a starting winger under him since 2023 and looks set to retain her shirt. On the opposite flank, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald emerges as a strong favorite. Part of the World Cup-winning squad, she boasts 21 tries in 36 caps, blending pace with physicality in tackles and at the breakdown.
Then there’s Millie David. Nicknamed “Millie Whizz,” the Bristol Bears flyer won breakthrough player of the season in Premiership Women’s Rugby’s last campaign, finishing as the league’s top try-scorer. This season, despite Bristol sitting eighth, David has crossed nine times, ranking fifth in the PWR charts. Qualified for Australia, her raw speed is a tantalizing asset.
Two other wingers above David in the scoring ranks are in the mix. Mia Venner, with two caps, has dotted down 11 tries for Gloucester-Hartpury, helping propel them to the table’s summit. Loughborough Lightning’s Bo Westcombe-Evans, fourth with 10 tries, is back from an ACL injury that wrecked her World Cup hopes. The 23-year-old scored on her debut in September 2024 and aims to add to her two caps.
Mitchell could also shuffle the deck. Moving star full-back Ellie Kildunne to the wing is an option, with Emma Sing or Helena Rowland capable at 15. England’s depth is staggering—any choice could replicate Dow’s try-scoring feats. But selecting the right balance is crucial to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Dow’s exit isn’t the only change. Emily Scarratt retired but joins as lead attack and backs coach, retaining her expertise. Three experienced players—captain Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Lark Atkin-Davies—are out due to pregnancy, costing 224 caps combined. Centre Tatyana Heard is injured. Yet, the squad still averages 29 caps per player, a testament to their seasoned core.
With Stratford sidelined, Meg Jones takes the captaincy, supported by deputies Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews. Jones, a 2025 World Rugby player of the year nominee, emphasized continuity. “I am immensely proud to be taking the armband,” she said. “We have a huge group of leaders and a group that lead themselves extremely well. It’s about making sure everyone is on the same vision.”
New faces, a new captain, and a winger’s void—but England remain favorites. The Red Roses’ depth might just make the pitches come alive with the sound of victory once more.
