England's Rugby World Cup 2025 Squad: Hunt and Scarratt Lead the Charge

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt and centre Emily Scarratt have been named in England's Rugby World Cup 2025 squad, marking a significant moment for both players. Hunt, who was surprisingly omitted from the 2022 squad, makes a triumphant return, while Scarratt is set to become the first English rugby union player to appear at five World Cups.

Key Players and Squad Depth

Emily Scarratt, 35, first played at a World Cup in 2010 and was instrumental in England's 2014 final victory against Canada. Natasha Hunt, 36, has been a key player for Gloucester-Hartpury, helping them secure three consecutive Premiership Women's Rugby titles. The squad also includes Zoe Aldcroft, who took over as captain in January and led England to a Women's Six Nations Grand Slam.

Tournament Schedule and Expectations

England will open the 16-team tournament against the United States at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on 22 August. Their other Pool A fixtures are against Samoa (30 August, Northampton) and Australia (6 September, Brighton). The final is scheduled for 27 September at Twickenham.

Analysis: Why England Are Favorites

England's squad depth is unmatched in women's rugby. Head coach John Mitchell has built a team capable of challenging for the title, with a winning run of 25 matches since their 2022 World Cup final defeat. The inclusion of versatile players like Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and the rise of Abi Burton, who overcame a serious illness, further strengthens the squad.

Conclusion

With a blend of experience and emerging talent, England are heavy favorites to win the Rugby World Cup 2025. The squad's depth and Mitchell's strategic selections make them a formidable opponent on home soil.

England's Rugby World Cup Squad

Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, captain), Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears), Abi Burton (Trailfinders), May Campbell (Saracens), Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury), Kelsey Clifford (Saracens), Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks), Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs), Rosie Galligan (Saracens), Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), Marlie Packer (Saracens), Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears).

Backs: Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks), Jess Breach (Saracens), Abby Dow (Unattached), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury), Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury), Megan Jones (Trailfinders), Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Lucy Packer (Harlequins), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning), Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury).