Millie David & three uncapped players get surprise England call-ups as six nations squad takes shape.

England’s Women’s Six Nations squad has been unveiled, bringing shock call-ups, surprise omissions, and a bold selection strategy ahead of the tournament opener against Italy on 23 March.

Bristol Bears’ in-form winger Millie David, currently joint-top try scorer in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) with 17, headlines the fresh additions. Her selection comes as a redemption story after being unexpectedly left out of England’s January training camp.

Joining her are three uncapped players—Charlotte Fray (Leicester Tigers), Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury), and Sarah Parry (Harlequins)—who will all have a chance to prove themselves under Red Roses head coach John Mitchell.

However, not everyone made the cut. Fran Goldthorp and Reneeqa Bonner, who were initially called up in January, have been dropped from the squad, marking a brutal end to their Six Nations hopes.

A Squad Split in Two

While 42 players have been named in the pre-tournament training squad, only 24 will be available for all training camps. The remaining 18, who play for Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens, will temporarily return to their clubs to prepare for the PWR final on 16 March, before rejoining England duties.

With the squad divided, Mitchell emphasised the importance of maintaining focus.

“The objective of this camp is to become organised and get better as a Red Rose ahead of the Six Nations,” he said. “We are expecting an excited energy in reconnecting again and focusing on the opportunity that this special tournament presents for us.”

New Faces, Fresh Opportunities

David’s call-up is the biggest headline, but she isn’t the only one making waves. Shekells, a Great Britain Sevens player and 2024 Paris Olympian, has been rewarded for her impressive transition to the 15s game. She recently featured for GB at the Vancouver leg of the World Sevens Series and has made an immediate impact at Gloucester-Hartpury.

Fray, a promising second-row talent from Leicester Tigers, and 19-year-old Parry, a rising star in Harlequins’ midfield, also get their first taste of England camp. Meanwhile, Saracens scrum-half Ella Wyrwas makes her return after missing the January squad.

Coaching Changes and World Cup Preparations

Another key development sees Nathan Catt stepping in as defence coach, covering for Sarah Hunter, who is currently on maternity leave.

Mitchell reassured fans that Hunter remains an integral part of the team.

“Sarah is an extremely valued member of the Red Roses. Her focus is on being a mum, and we’re looking forward to seeing her soon.”

With England’s home Rugby World Cup on the horizon this summer, this Six Nations campaign serves as a crucial test. The squad’s structure reflects careful player management, ensuring key figures are both prepared for the tournament and well-rested for the challenges ahead.

With fresh talent stepping up and the pressure of the Six Nations mounting, all eyes will be on the Red Roses as they aim for another dominant campaign.