Cokayne back as England face Canada threat in Toronto
England welcome back the experience of Amy Cokayne at hooker as their 41-match unbeaten run comes under serious threat away to Canada.
Key points
- England recall Amy Cokayne at hooker for Friday's Test against Canada in Toronto.
- Canada drew 26-26 with England in Exeter last month, ending a near four-year winning run.
- Attendance in Toronto is expected to exceed 14,000, a North American record for a standalone women's rugby match.
England have recalled experienced hooker Amy Cokayne for Friday's Test against Canada in Toronto, where their 41-match unbeaten run is at stake. Cokayne has not played Test rugby since scoring the final try in England's Grand Slam-clinching win over France in Bordeaux in May.
Saracens hooker Bryony Field, who has three caps to Cokayne's 94, drops to the bench after deputising in the first half of last month's WXV Global Series. Canada ended England's near four-year winning streak with a 26-26 draw at Sandy Park in Exeter during that campaign.
Canada's home challenge
Canada coach Kevin Rouet has made victory over England the team's main aim for 2026, with Canada playing at home for the first time in more than 14 months. The teams also meet in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October, with the two matches branded the Rugby Rematch Tour.
The Toronto attendance is expected to exceed 14,000, beating the previous record for a standalone women's rugby match in North America, when 11,453 watched Canada beat the United States.
Playing in Toronto presents a different environment and challenge, and we're excited by the opportunity to express our game, improve our performance and continue to grow as the Red Roses.
— England head coach John Mitchell
Other England changes
Prop Hannah Botterman starts after coming on as a replacement in the win over New Zealand. With Marlie Packer staying in England as her partner and team-mate Rosie Galligan is due to give birth, Abi Burton takes a back-row spot, while Tatyana Heard's direct running is preferred to Helena Rowland's playmaking at inside centre.
Sadia Kabeya, who missed the New Zealand win with a leg injury, is on the bench alongside Bristol Bears' 20-year-old Demelza Short, who covers second row. England's last defeat was against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final in November 2022.
