Delaney Burns faces a clear change of stakes this weekend, with a chance to add a seventh England cap against Australia that would deepen her case for a regular place in the Red Roses squad. The 24-year-old second-row arrived on the international scene in 2023 and has logged six caps to date; three came in 2023 and a further three followed in the 2026 Six Nations. Her opportunity is sharpened by the absence of Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan and Zoe Stratford, all away from the squad for pregnancy or maternity, which increases playing time for players like Burns during the WXV Global Series.
Burns describes the WXV campaign as the first time she has been brought into a tournament group from the start, and she says she wants to be viewed as an experienced forward, especially around the line-out. Having missed out on one of England's 32-contracted places, she has prioritised improving her defence this season and sees this run of fixtures as a chance to push to the next level. England host Australia at CorpAcq Stadium at 15:00 on 12 September, with the match available on iPlayer.
Off the field Burns has built a leadership profile through work with the Bristol Bears Foundation. She coaches and talks to girls across the greater Bristol area on topics that go beyond rugby, including, in her words, "the menstrual cycle and how it affects you" and the impact of social media, filtering and AI on body image and mental safety. That outreach helped launch a South Bristol girls team that has attracted "50-60 players and counting," she says, a concrete sign of grassroots growth tied to her community work.
Burns keeps perspective on the pressures of camp life, admitting she could "listen to my own voice a bit more, probably," while also acknowledging how rewarding the environment is. One of her biggest supporters will be in the stands if she is selected: her grandfather will travel from Poole to Manchester to watch. If chosen for Saturday's match, Burns will not only extend her international tally but also test the claim she is ready for a larger leadership and playing role in an increasingly competitive Red Roses squad.
