Smaller balls, anthem test & tough schedule - England gear up for WXV

England's women's rugby team, the Red Roses, are currently in Nottingham for pre-season preparations ahead of the WXV Global Series. This new competition will see them face Australia, Canada, and New Zealand on home soil in September, followed by further tests against Canada and the USA in October. The world champions, who recently secured their fourth Six Nations Grand Slam, are set to use World Rugby's new size 4.5 balls in the WXV Global Series.

These balls are about 3% smaller than the traditional size five but share the same weight. The introduction of these smaller balls has sparked controversy, with England fly-half Zoe Harrison expressing her dissatisfaction. However, England's coach, Nigel O'Mahony, believes that coaching is the key to success, regardless of the ball's size.

The team has also confirmed the full-time employment of Mia Venner and Flo Robinson, marking a significant step in their development. Additionally, Emily Scarratt, who joined the team on an interim basis during the Six Nations, has been appointed as the attack and backs coach on a full-time basis, adding more responsibility to her role.

The WXV Global Series, unlike other tournaments, does not involve a table or a trophy; it consists solely of Test matches. With the challenging schedule, England aims to mirror the experiences they'll face in the upcoming Australia 2029 World Cup.