Maddie Pouaunathi is set to feature in England's first Test match against France in Gloucester on Saturday.
Manager John Mitchell has made just two changes from the squad that clinched the Six Nations Cup Grand Slam against France in Bordeaux last season.
Exeter flanker Feaunathi is coming on for the injured Sadia Cabella, while centre Helena Rowland is in place of the also-unavailable Megan Jones.
Feunatti, 22, made five appearances as a substitute at the 2024 Six Nations Championship but is now named in the starting back-row alongside captain Marley Packer and No.8 Alex Matthews.
On the bench is England Under-20 captain Lily Ives Campion, who is preparing for her first cap, while Jo Harrison is looking to make her 50th appearance for the Reds. Bristol's Sarah Byrne is also among the substitutes after missing the Six Nations through injury.
Saturday's game is the first of two fixtures for England, who face New Zealand at home on September 14 before beginning their WXV 1 season in Canada.
In the WXV 1 tournament, England play USA on September 29, before facing New Zealand and Canada.
“I’m excited to get the season started after the girls have shown great skill in raising their level and building their resilience throughout the preseason,” Mitchell said.
“The women simply want to play and we are determined to bring in world-class opposition to challenge them and prepare them for an exciting 2025 with WXV.
“I have fond memories of playing for the All Blacks at Kingsholm and winning my first game as Sale manager.
“It’s a special place and this weekend the girls get a chance to create their own memories together.”
England vs France match: Ellie Kildanne; Abbie Doe, Helena Rowland, Tatiana Hurd, Jess Breech; Holly Acheson, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Amy Cocaine, Maud Muir, Zoe Oldcroft, Morwenna Tarling, Maddie Fionati, Marley Packer (captain), Alex Matthews.
shift: With Lach Akin-Davies, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Byrne, Lily Ives Campion, Poppy Clill, Lucy Packer, Jo Harrison and Emily Scarratt.
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