Packer to miss Red Roses' tour of North America

England play Canada in Toronto and Ottawa on October 17 and 24 respectively before game versus USA in New Jersey a week later; back-rower Marlie Packer staying at home with partner Rosie Galligan due to give birth; Canada ended England's 39-match winning run in September with 26-26 draw

>England's most-capped active player Marlie Packer will miss the WXV Global Series matches against Canada and the USA in North America later this month.

>Two-time World Cup winner Packer, who has made 119 appearances for her country, will remain at home with partner and Red Roses team-mate Rosie Galligan due to give birth.

>England play Canada in Toronto and Ottawa on October 17 and 24 respectively before a game versus USA in New Jersey on October 30.

>Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen are ruled out through injury.

>The Red Roses played three times in September, beating Australia and New Zealand around a 26-26 draw with Canada in Exeter that ended the hosts' 39-match winning streak.

>Head coach John Mitchell said: Our last two Tests against Canada and New Zealand have been humdingers that could have gone either way. They were hugely important to our development towards [the 2029 World Cup].

>"Playing quality opposition and learning to adapt under pressure will help us raise our level and improve our game.

>"The 32 players travelling to North America have a great opportunity to elevate our connections as a squad because playing away from home requires togetherness.

>"We have shown a real hunger to compete and improve, and we're excited to rip into our preparations and continue our rivalry with Canada in Toronto."

>Forwards: Christiana Balogun (Bristol Bears, 1 cap), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 87 caps), Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 65 caps), Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 12 caps), May Campbell (Saracens, 7 caps), Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 31 caps), Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 25 caps), Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, vice-capt, 94 caps) , Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps), Bryony Field (Saracens, 3 caps), Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap), Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 11 caps), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps), Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, vice-capt, 84 caps), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 56 caps), Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 4 caps), Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 32 caps)

>Backs: Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 50 caps), Jess Breach (Saracens, 59 caps), Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 73 caps), Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 37 caps), Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 91 caps), Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, capt, 41 caps), Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 65 caps), Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 43 caps), Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 47 caps), Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 6 caps), Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 54 caps), Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps), Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps), Bo Westcombe-Evans (Trailfinders Women, 2 caps)