England squad for WXV without new coach John Mitchell

Natasha Hunt returns after not being selected for the World Championships last year. Photo: Getty Images/Morgan Harlow

Natasha Hunt in action and Lucy Packer have been named in the England squad for the first WXV tournament after interim coach Louis Deacon named his 30-player group.

Hunt controversially missed out on the Red Roses' World Cup selection last year, while Packer's Fitness side looked doubtful after suffering an ankle injury in England's second series win over Canada.

There are also calls for recent debutants Maisie Allen and Sophie Bridger, while sevens specialist Meg Jones, who impressed in England's wins over Canada, is also in the mix. Jones, along with his center partner Helena Rowland, is likely to serve as backup to Holly Aitchison.

The Red Roses will compete at the top level of the competition in New Zealand, where they will face Australia. , Canada and the Black Ferns, was selected without any input from new head coach John Mitchell, who will take over after the Men's World Cup in his current role as Japan's defense coach.

Mitchell has no intention of going to the WXV even if Japan fail to make the knockout stages, a prospect that is looking increasingly likely. Marley Packer, the England captain, confirmed over the weekend that she had had no further contact with Mitchell, 59, since initial talks following confirmation of his appointment in May. With the clock ticking ahead of the 2025 World Cup at home, where England will have a chance at redemption and a chance to win the hearts of the nation, the lack of urgency seems strange and subdued.

The England team. for WXV

Tests don't happen often in the women's game, meaning time on the field is very valuable. This is one of the main reasons why World Rugby is launching the WXV, a competition that will fly under the radar alongside the Men's World Cup but is arguably more important for England than their Six Nations campaign next year.

England will return to the stage of their shattered World Cup last autumn with a rematch against the Black Ferns on November 4 in Auckland. Before then they play a Canadian team that will always be strong and the rare Test against Australia will present a different challenge to their usual Six Nations opponents. Mitchell will not appear on the field under any circumstances.

“We have selected a team rich in experience, versatility and talent; a team we are very excited to see on the field in the first WXV competition,” said Deacon.

It’s true. There are no major surprises in Deacon's 30-player group. Pregnant Vicky Cornborough, new mum Abbie Ward and injured Poppy Clill are among the standout players to be missed, with Zoe Harrison and Emily Scarratt also sidelined.

The question, however, is what Mitchell would have done due to the absence of Emma Sing. In a sign that competition for places in the England back row is tighter than ever, there is no place for the Gloucester-Hartpury flyer, who featured in this year's Six Nations.

The Red Roses begin their campaign against Australia at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Friday 20 October.