Packer to miss Red Roses’ tour of North America

England back-rower Marlie Packer will miss the Red Roses' upcoming WXV Global Series fixtures in North America against Canada and the USA. The 119-cap veteran will remain in the UK as her partner and England teammate Rosie Galligan is due to give birth. John Mitchell's squad is scheduled to face Canada in Toronto on October 17 and Ottawa on October 24, before meeting the USA in New Jersey on October 30.

Head coach John Mitchell named a 32-player touring group, while Delaney Burns, Haidee Head, and Sophie McQueen are sidelined through injury. England head into the tour following recent September Tests, which included victories over Australia and New Zealand alongside a 26-26 draw against Canada that ended their 39-match winning streak.