Eighteen-year-old Morwenna Talling will make her senior England debut against Italy on Sunday as the Red Roses seek a second consecutive Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam.
Talling will line up in the second row in Parma alongside Abbie Ward, who makes her first international start in just under a year, for an England side who wrapped up the Championship crown last weekend by virtue of France’s draw with Scotland.
Full-back Ellie Kildunne returns for her first international 15s appearance since the 2018 Women’s Six Nations but Natasha Hunt has withdrawn from the squad after returning a positive Covid-19 test – there were no other positive tests returned.
Claudia McDonald steps up to start at scrum-half with Leanne Riley among the replacements.
Sunday marks England’s first match since beating Wales 66-7 in March and Poppy Cleall, who scored a hat-trick that day, starts in the back row alongside Sarah Beckett and the returning Marlie Packer.
Emily Scarratt captains the side while fly-half Katy Daley-Mclean takes the No.10 jersey for what will be her 115th international appearance.
Helena Rowland, who has starred for England Sevens in recent years, could make her international 15s bow if called upon from the bench.
England head coach Simon Middleton said: “While we’re understandably disappointed for Mo [Natasha Hunt], the health and safety of all players and staff members is paramount.
“The situation has been handled very well by our medical staff. All training session and training venue footage was reviewed to establish any close contacts and players were interviewed. Fortunately, no-one else needed to isolate.
“Claudia is a fantastic replacement and the game gives her a chance to impress from the start.
“Earning a first cap is always a special moment. Morwenna Talling has excelled in training and club matches and we feel she thoroughly deserves her opportunity.
“Despite a number of injuries, we have real depth to our squad. We’re all pleased to see Harriet Millar-Mills back playing regularly after lengthy injury lay-offs and know the quality the likes of Alex Matthews and Helena Rowland bring.
“After a tough year for everyone, we’re grateful to be preparing for international rugby again and targeting a Grand Slam.”
England Women’s team to play Italy
15. Ellie Kildunne (8 caps)
14. Jess Breach (13 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (Captain – 89 caps)
12. Amber Reed (57 caps)
11. Abby Dow (12 caps)
10. Katy Daley-Mclean (114 caps)
9. Claudia MacDonald (9 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (53 caps)
2. Lark Davies (25 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (35 caps)
4. Abbie Ward (42 caps)
5. Morwenna Talling (0 caps)
6. Poppy Cleall (40 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (71 caps)
8. Sarah Beckett (17 caps)
Replacements
16. Amy Cokayne (50 caps)
17. Detysha Harper (1 cap)
18. Shaunagh Brown (17 caps)
19. Harriet Millar-Mills (55 caps)
20. Alex Matthews (37 caps)
21. Leanne Riley (37 caps)
22. Helena Rowland (0 caps)
23. Zoe Harrison (24 caps)
