England Rugby Team Plays Scotland Saturday With Many Injured Players

England's Red Roses have 13 players out injured for their match against Scotland. This is a big change from their usual team.

England's Red Roses are set to face Scotland this Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, at 1:30 PM BST, aiming to maintain their formidable winning streak in the Women's Six Nations. This fixture marks Round 2 of the tournament, with England currently on a seven-year run of title victories and chasing their fifth consecutive Grand Slam.

Women's Six Nations 2026 LIVE! Build-up as Red Roses take on Scotland - 1

The Red Roses secured a 33-12 win against Ireland in their opening match, played before a record crowd of 77,120 spectators, signalling a continued trend of growing attendance at women's rugby events. However, the team faces notable challenges due to an extensive injury list, with 13 players from the World Cup-winning squad unavailable due to retirement, pregnancy, or injury. This has led to tactical adjustments, including Ellie Kildunne shifting from fullback to the wing, and the debut of Demelza Short at blindside flanker.

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Women's Six Nations 2026 LIVE! Build-up as Red Roses take on Scotland - 2

Scotland, meanwhile, has shown building momentum, securing a 24-19 victory against Wales in their opening fixture. Despite England's historical dominance, with a 28-game winning streak against Scotland, the Red Roses' depleted squad presents a potential opening for the Scottish team.

Women's Six Nations 2026 LIVE! Build-up as Red Roses take on Scotland - 3

Match Details and Broadcast

The match between Scotland and England will be broadcast live on BBC Two and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 PM BST.

Women's Six Nations 2026 LIVE! Build-up as Red Roses take on Scotland - 4

Squad Changes and Player Milestones

England's lineup sees Zoe Harrison taking the fly-half position. Maud Muir will earn her 50th international cap, and Demelza Short will make her Red Roses debut. Scotland's side, led by coach John Mitchell, will also be mindful of their opposition's talent, noting the impact of players who feature in the professional Women's Premier League.

Tournament Context

The Women's Six Nations 2026 tournament commenced on April 11th and runs until May 17th. The BBC is providing comprehensive coverage across TV, radio, and online platforms, including live streams of all matches on BBC iPlayer. Other broadcasters globally include S4C (UK), RTÉ, Virgin Media (Ireland), France TV (France), Peacock (USA), and SuperSport (South Africa).

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Historical Performance and Future Prospects

England has a storied history in the Women's Six Nations, having won the title for seven consecutive years. The growing crowds and increased visibility, as highlighted by player Ellie Kildunne, suggest that packed stadiums are becoming the norm for the competition, reflecting a significant expansion in the sport's popularity.

The Red Roses' campaign also includes upcoming fixtures against Wales, Italy, and a concluding match against France. The Scotland fixture is one of several Round 2 matches, with Wales playing France and Ireland facing Italy on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where is the England vs Scotland rugby match on April 18th, 2026?
The match is on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, kicking off at 1:30 PM BST. It will be shown on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Q: Why does England's Red Roses team have many player changes for the Scotland game?
England has 13 players unavailable due to retirement, pregnancy, or injury. This means players like Ellie Kildunne are playing in new positions, and Demelza Short will play for the first time.
Q: How has England's Red Roses team performed recently?
England won their first match against Ireland 33-12. They have also won the Six Nations title for the last seven years and are aiming for their fifth straight Grand Slam.
Q: What is Scotland's recent performance before playing England?
Scotland won their first match against Wales with a score of 24-19. They are looking to use England's player changes as a chance to win.
Q: What is the history between England and Scotland in women's rugby?
England has a strong record against Scotland, winning 28 games in a row. However, England's current team has many players out injured.