Women's Six Nations: Red Roses team to face Scotland - Bristol star to debut

Muir reaches the milestone just five years after her debut as a 20-year-old in a statement win over New Zealand women's rugby union team. Since then, the Gloucester-Hartpury prop has become a cornerstone of the Red Roses pack, collecting multiple Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams, a Rugby World Cup title, and back-to-back selections in the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Bristol Bears forward Short is set for her first international appearance at blindside flanker, having impressed in the Premiership Women’s Rugby and earned her call-up through England’s Under-21 pathway earlier this year.

Head coach John Mitchell has made several changes to the side that opened their 2026 campaign with victory over Ireland. Emma Sing starts at full-back, pushing Ellie Kildunne onto the wing, while Zoe Harrison returns at fly-half. Abi Burton partners Lilli Ives Campion in the second row, with Maddie Feaunati shifting to number eight.

Experienced names including Marlie Packer, Flo Robinson and Mia Venner provide impact from the bench.

Mitchell said: “Last week was a positive start for us at home against Ireland. It was a special occasion to open the tournament at Allianz and a great opportunity for this group to come together, but we know there’s plenty we can improve. Our focus this week has been on being honest about those learnings and turning them into actions as we prepare for Scotland.

“We’ve had to adapt to a number of changes with injuries to teammates who are hugely valued within the group, but that’s part of the culture we’re building. It creates opportunities for others to step up and highlights the depth we’recontinuing to grow, both for now and the future. There’s a real hunger in this group to keep pushing forward, regardless of the challenges we face."

He added: “We’re expecting a brilliant atmosphere in Scotland, and it’s fantastic to see the game continuing to grow, with what will be a record crowd for a standalone women’s sporting event there. That’s something everyone involved should be proud of, and it sets the stage for a great contest on Saturday.”

15 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 14 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 54 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 34 caps) – captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 47 caps)
11 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 58 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 66 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 40 caps)
1 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 22 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 90 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 49 caps)
4 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 5 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 6 caps)
6 Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 29 caps)
8 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 24 caps)

16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 20 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 24 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 80 caps)
19 Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)
20 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 112 caps)
21 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 45 caps)
23 Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 2 caps)