Marlie Packer to miss England tour as Kelsey Clifford returns

Marlie Packer will miss England's North American tour this month, with the two-time World Cup winner remaining in the United Kingdom as her partner and Red Roses team-mate Rosie Galligan prepares to give birth. BBC Sport reported the Harlequins back-rower's absence as England confirmed a 32-player squad for matches against Canada and the United States.

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Packer is England's most-capped active player, having made 119 international appearances. Her absence comes alongside three injury withdrawals: Delaney Burns, Haidee Head and Sophie McQueen will also not travel. The squad announcement also brought a return for Saracens prop Kelsey Clifford, who is back following a hamstring injury and has 25 England caps.

The selection follows a September programme in which England played Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The Red Roses defeated Australia and New Zealand, but a draw with Canada brought their record-breaking winning streak to an end. Head coach John Mitchell said the home matches against Canada and New Zealand had both been close enough to go either way.

England will meet Canada twice on the trip, with matches in Toronto and Ottawa listed for 17 and 24 October in the BBC report. England regard those fixtures, together with the September meeting, as a three-Test series. A single match against the United States on 30 October completes the tour programme, giving the travelling group three further international fixtures.

Mitchell said the trip would give his players an opportunity to strengthen their connections, emphasising the importance of togetherness when playing away from home. He also highlighted the squad's desire to compete and improve as preparations continue. Megan Jones is named captain, while Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews are the vice-captains in the squad published by BBC Sport.

The group combines established internationals with players at an early stage of their England careers. Natasha Hunt is listed with 91 caps and Sarah Bern with 87, while Christiana Balogun and Daisy Hibbert-Jones each have one. The forwards also include Sadia Kabeya, Maddie Feaunati and Maud Muir; among the backs selected are Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, Zoe Harrison and Helena Rowland.