England’s women’s rugby team has announced significant changes to their starting lineup for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations match against Scotland, with Ellie Kildunne shifting from her usual full-back position to the wing and Abi Burton moving to lock.
The alterations come as England faces a shortage in the lock position due to multiple players being unavailable through pregnancy and injury. According to verified team news, locks Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan are all pregnant and absent from the tournament, while Morwenna Talling has been ruled out after suffering a leg injury in England’s opening win over Ireland.
Kildunne, who was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2024 and scored the opening endeavor in England’s 2025 World Cup final victory, will make her first Six Nations start on the wing. The 26-year-old Harlequins player typically operates at full-back but has been deployed wide to utilise her attacking strengths in a different area of the field.
Meanwhile, Bristol’s Demelza Short will make her international debut in the back row, and Gloucester-Hartpury’s Emma Sing comes in at full-back to replace Kildunne in her customary position. Fly-half Zoe Harrison regains the number 10 shirt from Holly Aitchison, while prop Maud Muir earns her 50th cap starting at tighthead in place of Sarah Bern.
Positional Changes Reflect Squad Challenges
The reshuffled lineup highlights the injury and availability challenges facing England ahead of their second Women’s Six Nations fixture. With three first-choice locks unavailable due to pregnancy and another sidelined by injury, head coach John Mitchell has had to gaze elsewhere in the squad for cover.
Abi Burton, who usually plays in the back row, has been moved to lock to aid address the shortage. The Gloucester-Hartpury player brings physicality to the second row, though she will be adapting to a modern set of responsibilities in the set-piece and defensive line.
England’s opening match against Ireland saw them secure a victory, setting up a crucial clash with Scotland at Murrayfield. The fixture is scheduled for Saturday 18 April 2026 at 13:30 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Kildunne’s Versatility Key to Tactical Shift
Ellie Kildunne’s move to the wing represents a tactical adjustment aimed at maximizing her attacking threat. Known for her elusive running and counter-attacking ability, the full-back will now look to exploit space out wide against Scotland’s defence.
Scotland’s Helen Nelson, who ranks among the top kickers in the English Premier 15s, may look to target space around Kildunne with her tactical kicking. Meanwhile, winger Rhona Lloyd, who has scored 11 league tries for Sale this season, will line up directly opposite the England star.
Despite the positional change, Kildunne remains one of England’s most potent attacking weapons. Her experience at the highest level, including World Cup success and individual accolades, provides the team with a match-winning threat regardless of where she starts on the field.
Debut Opportunity for Rising Star
The inclusion of 19-year-old Demelza Short marks a significant moment for the young Bristol back-rower. Short, who has been making waves in the Premier 15s, will earn her first England cap in what represents a fast-tracked international career.
Her selection comes as part of England’s broader strategy to integrate emerging talent amid the current squad challenges. Short will join Abi Burton and likely Megan Jones or Hannah Botterman in the back row, providing energy and mobility around the breakdown.
England’s bench for the Scotland match includes experienced campaigners such as 112-cap Marlie Packer and Mia Venner, ensuring cover across multiple positions despite the changes to the starting XV.
The Women’s Six Nations continues to showcase the highest level of international women’s rugby, with England aiming to build on their opening win as they defend their title. Fans can follow live updates and match commentary through the BBC Sport website and official Six Nations channels.