Shekells returns as Red Roses wait on Kabeya

TL;DR

Jade Shekells returns to the Red Roses squad after recovering from a thumb injury, boosting England's Women's Six Nations team. Tatyana Heard is out of the tournament due to a foot injury.

Key points

Jade Shekells returns to the Red Roses squad
She missed the first three matches due to a thumb injury
Tatyana Heard is out with a foot injury
Helena Rowland has played in the center position

Jade ShekellsTatyana HeardRed RosesWomen's Six Nations

Jade Shekells on the attack for England against Samoa in the World Cup

Shekells' only appearance at the World Cup was in the Red Roses' pool-stage thrashing of Samoa in Northampton [Getty Images]

England's patched-up Women's Six Nations squad has been boosted by the return of centre Jade Shekells.

The 29-year-old, who was part of the Great Britain Sevens team at Paris 2024, has missed the first three matches of the Red Roses' campaign with a thumb injury.

With Tatyana Heard, who started September's World Cup final in the centres inside Meg Jones, ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury, the versatile Helena Rowland has deputised at 12 in the victories over Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

While Shekells swells England's midfield options, there are injury issues in the back five of the scrum.

Flanker Sadia Kabeya, who came off against Wales at the weekend with a chest and shoulder muscle injury, is continuing her rehabilitation alongside the team in the hope that she can play a further part in the tournament.

Fellow back row Alex Matthews and second row Lilli Ives Campion are also not at full fitness as they carry shoulder and knee complaints respectively.

Bristol teenager Demelza Short replaced Kabeya off the bench at Ashton Gate and could be set for a longer run in the team alongside 36-year-old Marlie Packer in the back row.

England have a lengthy list of absences at second row with Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan all pregnant and Morwenna Talling having suffered a tournament-ending leg injury in the opening round.

After a break weekend, the Red Roses, on a run of 36 straight Test wins and in pursuit of an eighth successive Six Nations title, will take on Italy in the next match of the campaign in Parma on 9 May.

Meanwhile, Canada have announced that they will host England at 28,000-capacity BMO Field in Toronto on 16 October.

England have already announced a fixture against Canada in Exeter the previous month as part of the new WXV Global Series which will be the teams' first meeting since the Red Roses won the World Cup final.

Q&A

Why is Jade Shekells significant for the Red Roses?

Jade Shekells is a key player for the Red Roses, having previously played in the World Cup and bringing experience to the squad as they navigate injuries.

What injuries have affected the Red Roses' squad?

Tatyana Heard is out of the tournament with a foot injury, while Jade Shekells has recently returned from a thumb injury.

How has the Red Roses' lineup changed due to injuries?

Helena Rowland has stepped in at the center position in the absence of Tatyana Heard during the first three matches of the Women's Six Nations.