Red Roses latest: World Cup winner makes timely return as update issued on key trio
Jade Shekells (left) comes back into the mix for the Red Roses this weekend
The Red Roses welcome 2025 World Cup winner Jade Shekells back into their extended Six Nations squad, following a lengthy injury absence.
The Gloucester-Hartpury ace has missed the opening three Tests of the Championship with a hamstring injury, but is back in full training ahead of their upcoming meetings with Italy and France.
Red Roses squad update as World Cup winner returns
29-year-old Shekells made her Test debut for the Red Roses in last year’s victorious Six Nations campaign, following impressive performances in the PWR and Olympic Games as part of the Team GB Sevens side, and has since added a further three caps.
However, her return comes with Sadia Kabeya, Lilli Ives Campion, and Alex Matthews set for a period of rehabilitation in camp.
Back-rower Kabeya was taken off just 20 minutes into England’s 62-24 over Wales on Saturday, but had previously started against Ireland and Scotland. Campion had also started against Ireland and Scotland, but missed Saturday’s Test against Wales with a knee complaint. Matthews, on the other hand, has only featured once this Championship following a shoulder injury picked up in the wake of their 33-12 win over Ireland.
All three players will remain with the wider squad and could return later in the Championship should things progress well.
These are the latest injury concerns for the England boss to contend with, with Natasha Hunt, Morwenna Talling, Tatyana Heard, Hannah Botterman, May Campbell and Ella Wyrwas all ruled out for the remainder of the Championship, while World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford, Rosie Galligan, Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward are unavailable due to pregnancy.
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Elsewhere, Sarah Parry will return to club side Harlequins, while Hayley Jones, Annabel Meta and Jodie Verghese have been released to play for the England U21s this weekend in their Test against Ireland.
Carmela Morrall and Haidee Head will remain with the senior squad, though.
The Red Roses return to action next weekend with a trip to Italy, before heading to France for a possible Grand Slam decider, with both teams currently unbeaten after three rounds.