By Rugby News Desk | April 24, 2025
Red Roses Turn to Sing for Grand Slam Decider
England will start Emma Sing at full-back for Saturday’s highly anticipated Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam clash against France, after star player Ellie Kildunne was ruled out with a minor hamstring injury.
The showdown at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium kicks off at 16:45 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and via text updates on the BBC Sport website.
Kildunne Injury a Precautionary Call
Although Kildunne could have played, head coach John Mitchell revealed the decision to rest her was to avoid aggravating the injury before summer World Cup preparations.
“Kildunne could actually play but her hamstring is something we want to get right,” Mitchell said. “We don’t want to lose Ellie as a result of stretching it any further.”
Mitchell confirmed that the world player of the year will return to training in June without issue.
Sing’s Return to the Starting XV
Sing, 24, impressed in the opening-round win over Italy, scoring 11 points. The Gloucester-Hartpury full-back now steps into the high-pressure role as England chase a 25th consecutive win and their seventh Six Nations title in a row.
Mitchell Shuffles Key Positions
Zoe Harrison replaces Holly Aitchison at fly-half, with Natasha Hunt partnering her at scrum-half. Exeter’s Maddie Feaunati earns her first England start at open-side flanker, while veteran Alex Matthews starts at number eight.
Captain Zoe Aldcroft continues her ever-present role in this year’s campaign, starting at blind-side flanker. Mitchell emphasized the importance of tactical balance in his selections:
“Selection is based on tactical picks and the girls that have been more consistent in the tournament,” he noted.
England are aiming for their 15th straight win over France, a record that underscores their dominance in the women’s game.
Match Details:
Fixture: England vs France – Women’s Six Nations 2025
Date: Saturday, 26 April 2025
Time: 16:45 BST
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Coverage: BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport
Category: Rugby Union, Women’s Six Nations, England Rugby, Sports News
Tags: Emma Sing, Ellie Kildunne, Red Roses, Women’s Six Nations 2025, England v France rugby, John Mitchell, Zoe Harrison, Zoe Aldcroft, Natasha Hunt, Allianz Stadium
