Amy Cokayne returns as Red Roses plot revenge on Canada

England have been boosted by the return of hooker Amy Cokayne as they plot revenge on Canada in the first of back-to-back Test meetings.

The Red Roses had their 39-match winning run ended by the World Cup runners-up in Exeter last month, with John Mitchell’s side held to a 26-all draw at Sandy Park.

The two teams now meet in games in Toronto and Ottawa that form part of the WXV Global Series, and have been regarded internally within England camp as a three-Test series.

Cokayne missed England’s home fixtures in September through injury but is passed fit to start at BMO Field, while new Sale Sharks teammate Tatyana Heard also returns to the starting side at inside centre.

Hannah Botterman and Abi Burton also feature in the two other alterations to the team that began against New Zealand at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in England’s last outing.

“The first Test in Exeter gave us a valuable opportunity to test our game under pressure and identify where we can improve,” head coach John Mitchell said. “As we continue to build towards 2029, our focus is on raising our level, strengthening our connections and continuing to evolve as a team.

“Playing in Toronto presents a different environment and challenge, and we’re excited by the opportunity to express our game, improve our performance and continue to grow as the Red Roses. We’re looking forward to the challenge of the second Test.”

With Marlie Packer having remained at home ahead of welcoming a child with fiancee Rosie Galligan, and Sadia Kabeya on the bench, Alex Matthews is deployed on the openside flank.

Young forward Demelza Short is given her first opportunity of the autumn among the replacements having made her international debut during the Women’s Six Nations. Locks Zoe Stratford, Galligan and Abbie Ward are all on maternity leave, along with hooker Lark Atkin-Davies.

England XV to face Canada in Toronto (Saturday 17 October, midnight BST): 1 Hannah Botterman, 2 Amy Cokayne, 3 Sarah Bern; 4 Morwenna Talling, 5 Lilli Ives Campion; 6 Abi Burton, 7 Alex Matthews, 8 Maddie Feaunati; 9 Lucy Packer, 10 Zoe Harrison; 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 12 Tatyana Heard, 13 Meg Jones (capt.), 14 Jess Breach; 15 Ellie Kildunne.

Replacements: 16 Bryony Field, 17 Mackenzie Carson, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Demelza Short, 20 Sadia Kabeya; 21 Natasha Hunt, 22 Helena Rowland, 23 Emma Sing.