BOTTS IS BACK.

Hannah Botterman is back in the matchday 23 for the Red Roses, after facing 12 long months on the sidelines.

The Bristol Bears front-row made her return against Australia, then secured her starting position in the number 1 shirt against Canada.

“My body is a little sore after playing for the first time in a while,” she laughs. “But it’s been a good week with the girls, and we’re excited for this tournament.”

The return follows a major injury setback for Botterman, which ruled her out of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations.

“Being injured for a long period is tough. You’re still involved in the game, but you’re not doing the part that you really love.

“I don’t love training, or the extra bits you have to do within a professional sporting environment, but I do it because I want to play.

“It sounds cliché, but you have to take each day as it comes. I had to stay as connected with the group as possible but also find ways to keep my mind off rugby.”

Botterman played a crucial role in England’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup win, featuring in four of their six games, including the semi-final and final.

Making her position clear, Botterman says:

“I want to be the best in the world in my position.”

The rugby calendar ahead features the WXV Global Series, 2026-27 JAECOO PWR, 2027 Women’s Six Nations, and the inaugural Women’s British & Irish Lions tour.

With the non-stop, yet exciting competitions over the next year, Botterman is focused on playing as much rugby as she can.

“My focus is staying on the pitch; as I’m getting older, a lot of it is making sure my body is in the right place for me to be competing every week.

“I definitely do better when I have consistency with playing and training, so the most important thing is being able to play a good amount of rugby.”