GB Sevens’ Jade Shekells in England Womens Six Nations Squad

England Women’s Six Nations Squad: Jade Shekells Makes Her Mark

England Women’s rugby team head coach John Mitchell has announced his squad for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations tournament, which kicks off with the highly anticipated match against Italy on Sunday, March 23, 2025. One of the standout selections is Jade Shekells, a key player for the Great Britain Sevens team, who has been included in the squad for the very first time. Despite being uncapped in the XVs format, Shekells’ recent performances for Gloucester-Hartpury and the GB Sevens team have caught the attention of Mitchell and the coaching staff.

As England looks to defend their Women’s Six Nations title and pursue a seventh consecutive championship, Shekells’ inclusion represents a new chapter for the Red Roses. Her versatility, combined with her experience in the Sevens game, makes her a valuable addition to the squad, particularly as she transitions into the XVs setup.

Jade Shekells’ Journey to England’s Six Nations Squad

Women’s Six Nations: Jade Shekells makes England squad –

Jade Shekells has had a standout season with Gloucester-Hartpury, where she impressed as an outside centre. Although her primary focus has been on the Sevens circuit, Shekells’ ability to adapt to the 15-player game has not gone unnoticed. Her dynamic and physical style of play caught the eye of the England coaching staff, and it is understood that the team is considering her for the inside centre role (12) in the Six Nations.

Her experience playing for GB Sevens during the Vancouver leg of the World Sevens Series in February 2025 has also added an extra layer of depth to her game. This exposure to high-level international competition in the Sevens format has given Shekells a unique set of skills that will be crucial for England as they seek to build on their recent success in the Six Nations.

England Women’s Six Nations Squad: New Faces and Established Stars

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In addition to Shekells, there are several other players in the England Women’s Six Nations squad who could make their Red Roses debut, including Gloucester-Hartpury‘s Flo Robinson, Ealing’s Abi Burton, and Leicester’s Charlotte Fray. These emerging talents will be eager to showcase their abilities on the international stage and make a strong case for future involvement in the England setup.

The squad will be led by Zoe Aldcroft, who is captaining the team for the first time. Aldcroft recently helped Gloucester-Hartpury win the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) title for the third consecutive year, and her leadership will be key as England aims to continue their dominance in the Six Nations.

Key Absences in the England Women’s Six Nations Squad

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While the England squad boasts several new faces, there are some notable absences. Harlequins hooker Connie Powell, who has earned 19 caps for England, has been left out of the squad. Powell has been overtaken in the pecking order by Saracens’ May Campbell, who has enjoyed an outstanding season, even though Saracens lost the PWR final. Despite this, Campbell’s versatility, having played both in the front and back row, made her an indispensable inclusion in the squad.

Bristol wing Millie David, another experienced player, also misses out on selection for the upcoming tournament. However, this gives younger players like Mia Venner, who has had an excellent season with Gloucester-Hartpury, the opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the starting lineup.

Mia Venner: The Wing Competition

Mia Venner’s inclusion in the squad marks her as one to watch during the Six Nations. Venner has enjoyed a stellar season with Gloucester-Hartpury, where her performances in the PWR final helped cement her place in the national squad. Venner is part of what has become one of the most competitive positions in the England squad – the wing.

The wing competition for the Six Nations and beyond is fierce, with the return of Claudia MacDonald at Exeter, Jess Breach coming back from injury, and Abby Dow expected to make her return from a hand injury. This highly competitive environment for the wing positions reflects the depth and strength of England’s squad, where the competition for spots will only push the players to perform at their best.

Versatility and Depth in the Squad

The depth of talent in England’s Women’s Six Nations squad is evident, especially in the forwards. The selection of Gloucester-Hartpury’s players like Zoe Aldcroft, Alex Matthews, and Marlie Packer shows the strength that the team has in both the forwards and the backs. These players bring experience and leadership to the squad, having been instrumental in Gloucester-Hartpury‘s recent successes in the PWR.

The team also boasts a mix of seasoned internationals and up-and-coming stars. In the backline, veterans like Emily Scarratt, Natasha Hunt, and Zoe Harrison will guide the team, while the likes of Flo Robinson, Jade Shekells, and Mia Venner will look to make their mark. The versatility of players like Shekells, who can switch between Sevens and XVs, adds another layer of unpredictability to the team’s tactics.

The England Women’s Six Nations Squad: Full List

Forwards:

• Zoe Aldcroft (captain) (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears)
• Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears)
• Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears)
• Georgia Brock (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women)
• May Campbell (Saracens)
• Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Kelsey Clifford (Saracens)
• Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers)
• Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs)
• Charlotte Fray (Leicester Tigers)
• 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 (Bristol Bears)
• Jess Breach (Saracens)
• Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women)
• Zoe Harrison (Saracens)
• Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers)
• Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins)
• Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs)
• Lucy Packer (Harlequins)
• Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs)
• Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning)
• Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning)
• Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury)
• Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury)

What’s Next for Jade Shekells and England?

As the 2024 Women’s Six Nations kicks off, Jade Shekells will be eager to prove herself on the international stage for England. With her Sevens experience and strong performances for Gloucester-Hartpury, she is well-prepared for the challenge ahead. The upcoming tournament will be an excellent opportunity for her to showcase her skills and make her mark on the XVs game.

For England, their quest for a seventh consecutive Six Nations title begins with their clash against Italy, and the inclusion of Shekells, along with other emerging talents, will only strengthen their chances. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the Red Roses to see if they can continue their dominance in women’s rugby and secure another Six Nations championship.