Moloney-MacDonald to make her first appearance in Rugby World Cup 2025

Exeter Chiefs Women and Red Roses wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald has been selected to start against Samoa marking her first appearance in her second Rugby World Cup.

The 29-year-old had been rehabilitating a hamstring injury but was still called up to head coach John Mitchell’s World Cup squad earlier this summer and has been called up for Saturday’s game at Franklin’s Gardens (17:00).

Moloney-MacDonald did not know if she would ever reach another World Cup or even play rugby again after suffering a second serious neck injury while playing for Chiefs in the 2023/24 season. Having made a full recovery and a return to club PWR action before Christmas last year, Moloney-MacDonald was called up to England’s Six Nations squad.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud to have gotten to this point and be selected to represent England at our home World Cup. Sometimes it’s important to reflect on the journey and remind myself where I was just 12 months ago; on the side-lines watching training, unsure if I’d be able to join back in again.

“I’m really excited to get out on the pitch with the girls and experience this World Cup in an England shirt. Sunderland was an incredible start to our journey, hopefully we can carry some of that momentum into our next round. Samoa is sure to be a very physical side, and there’s the added anticipation and excitement of personally never having played them before!”

Moloney-MacDonald will be joined in the starting line-up by Maddie Feaunati at No 8, who made her Rugby World Cup debut against the USA last Friday.

Meanwhile, Canada have also announced their team today. They will take on Wales at the Salford Community Stadium in Manchester on Saturday (KO 12:00) after an 11-try win over Fiji in round one. Chiefs' powerhouse front rowers Emily Tuttosi and DaLeaka Menin come into the starting line-up at hooker and tighthead prop while Alex Tessier again captains the side from inside centre.

Tuttosi said: "I’m looking forward to the start against a fiery Welsh side. Starting and finishing games both come with different challenges. I am ready to embrace the role I have been given this week and to enjoy expressing myself alongside my teammates."

Canada will then turn their attention to their last pool game against Scotland at Sandy Park on Saturday, 6 September (KO 12:00). Tickets for this double header, which also features Wales v Fiji at 14:45, are still available here.

The USA Eagles will play Australia in a Pool A defining clash at the Community Stadium in York, also on Saturday (KO 19:30).

Chiefs fans will be treated to another run-out from loosehead prop Hope Rogers as she extends her record-breaking appearance tally in a USA shirt and and Gabby Cantorna gets an opportunity to play in Rugby World Cup 2025 from the bench.