Women's Six Nations 2024: Marlie Packer to Win 100th Cap in Opener Against Italy
England Captain Marlie Packer is set to win her 100th international cap in England Women's Six Nations opener against Italy on Sunday. The 34-year-old flanker, who debuted for the Red Roses in 2008, will become the seventh woman to achieve this milestone.
The Red Roses took home the Six Nations Grand Slam last year, and are now looking for their sixth Six Nations title in a row. Zoe Harrison, Emily Scarratt, and Abbie Ward, are all returning to the team for the first time since the World Cup final in 2022.
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell expressed excitement about the tournament ahead, emphasising the team's focus on improving their performance and executing their game plan against Italy. He also spoke about Packer’s longstanding determination to succeed, saying that she “epitomises what it is to be a Red Rose."
England's lineup showcases a blend of experience and fresh talent, with the likes of Maddie Feaunati poised to make her debut from the bench. As the Red Roses kick off their campaign, all eyes will be on Packer as she reaches this remarkable milestone in her career.
Lineup:
15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins)
14. Abby Dow (Trailfinders)
13. Helena Rowland (Loughborough)
12. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough)
11. Jess Breach (Saracens)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens)
9. Lucy Packer (Harlequins)
1. Hannah Botterman (Bristol)
2. Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol)
3. Kelsey Clifford (Saracens)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol)
6. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens)
8. Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Replacements:
16. Connie Powell (Harlequins)
17. Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury)
18. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury)
19. Maddie Feaunati (Exeter)
20. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury)
21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury)
22. Holly Aitchison (Bristol)
23. Megan Jones (Leicester)
