Packer's proud to join the 100 club

CAPTAIN Marlie Packer earns her 100th cap as England begin their quest for a sixth successive title against an improving Italy in Parma.

- SAM JACKSON

The Saracens back row, who made her debut in 2008, becomes the seventh woman to achieve the centurion milestone for England, following Red Roses legends Sarah Hunter, Rocky Clark, Daley-McLean, Katy Tamara Taylor, Amy Garnett and Emily Scarratt, who makes her return to the side after 18 months sidelined after neck surgery.

"Reaching 100 caps for your country is an awesome achievement," said England head coach John Mitchell, ahead of his first Six Nations game in charge.

"Talking to Marlie about her journey, she has had to overcome adversity since her Test debut in 2008. What has been evident since I first met her is her determination to succeed has been ingrained in her over the past 16 years, helping her achieve she has in the game.

"She epitomises what it is to be a Red Rose." Scarratt, Zoe Harrison and Abbie Ward return to a Red Roses starting XV for the first time since the Rugby World Cup final in November 2022, while Kelsey Clifford is in for her maiden Test start.

Back row Sadia Kabeya and scrum-half Lucy Packer appear in the squad after missing England's WXV1 triumph due to injury. Among the replacements, Maddie Feaunati could make her England debut.

"We are excited to get going in what is an awesome tournament," Mitchell added. "We are focused on improving our performance.