John Mitchell has challenged England’s players to treat the new-look WXV Global Series as the beginning of their fight for places at the 2029 World Cup.

The world champions enter the eight-week window on a 38-match winning run, but Mitchell insists past success will count for little as he begins shaping the next generation of Red Roses.
WXV has been radically redesigned following its first two editions in 2023 and 2024.
The previous three-division model has been replaced by a touring programme involving the world’s leading 12 nations, with 30 Tests staged across 13 countries during Septembe...