England Make Key Position Changes for Women's Six Nations Clash with Scotland

England make key positional changes ahead of Women's Six Nations clash with Scotland, including Ellie Kildunne on wing and Abi Burton at lock amid multiple absences.

England Adjust Line-Up with Kildunne on Wing and Burton at Lock

Ellie Kildunne and Abi Burton will both start for England, but not in their usual positions as the team prepares to face Scotland in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday.

Kildunne, typically a full-back, has been named on the wing for the first time in her Six Nations career at age 26. This change is part of a significantly altered England line-up.

Meanwhile, Zoe Harrison, who was the first-choice fly-half during England's victorious Rugby World Cup campaign last year, returns to the number 10 jersey, replacing Holly Aitchison. Abi Burton, normally a back row player, will be deployed at lock due to England's limited options in that position.

England's lock options have been heavily impacted by absences: Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Rosie Galligan are all pregnant and unavailable, while Morwenna Talling is sidelined for the tournament with a leg injury sustained during last weekend's opening win over Ireland.

Adding to the fresh faces, Bristol's 19-year-old Demelza Short will make her international debut in the back row. Gloucester-Hartpury's Emma Sing, known for her long-range kicking, has been selected at full-back.

Kildunne's move to the wing could allow her to utilize her speed and running ability more effectively, though she will need to quickly adapt to the distinct defensive responsibilities of the position.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC Two, BBC , and the website.

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Scotland's fly-half Helen Nelson, ranked fourth highest for kicks out of hand in England's top-flight league, may target space around Kildunne. Additionally, Rhona Lloyd, who will face Kildunne directly, has scored 11 league tries for Sale this season.

"Emma Sing has been brilliant all season at full-back, so rightly she deserves the opportunity," said England defence coach Sarah Hunter.

"But obviously, Ellie's a world-class player and has that versatility to be able to play on the wing and the skill set to be able to play how we want.

"It's pretty exciting to get two such in-form players playing alongside each other.

"And Abi [Burton] is such a brilliant character that she's just gone 'alright, I'll put my head in there.'

"She will do anything for an England shirt, and if that means going in the second row, that means going in the second row. She's been brilliant."

Prop Maud Muir will earn her 50th cap starting at tighthead prop, replacing Sarah Bern. Bern is among the replacements alongside 112-cap Marlie Packer and Gloucester-Hartpury's Mia Venner.

England aim to secure their eighth consecutive Women's Six Nations title but face challenges due to the absence of several key players from last year's World Cup-winning squad.

Number eight Alex Matthews will miss the Scotland game with a shoulder injury. On Thursday, it was also announced that prop Hannah Botterman is out for the tournament with an ankle injury.

"I think it's quite unheard of within an England squad over the years," Hunter said regarding the current number of absences.

"If we think about it, in a four-year cycle, it's almost good that we're having this situation now, that we can grow and develop some of the younger players coming through - it might be accelerating them a little bit."

Both Hunter and head coach John Mitchell hope the enforced changes will foster the development of the next generation of players while maintaining England's dominance in the tournament.

Scotland will play in front of a crowd exceeding 25,000 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, marking the largest stand-alone women's sporting event in Scottish history. They will be eager to capitalize on any vulnerabilities in the England side.