England Women’s Sevens Head Coach Simon Middleton has made one change to his squad for the final round of the Sevens World Series in Amsterdam this week (May 22-23).
Middleton has called up Richmond’s Claire Allan who replaces Natasha Brennan. Brennan is ruled out of the final clash because of an injury picked up at the London Sevens last week. Allan, who is a XVs Rugby World Cup winner, last played for England Sevens in the Brazil leg of the series in February.
England head to Amsterdam knowing they must finish ahead of the USA and France, and possibly Russia too, if they are to secure a top four finish and therefore automatic qualification into the 2016 Olympic Games. If not, England will then compete for an Olympic spot at the Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series in Russia and France next month.
Middleton’s side, who are currently sixth in the standings two points below France and the USA, will have to come through a tough pool in Amsterdam with his charges drawn against Russia, China and London winners Australia.
“We are going into this leg with a really good performance against France in the London Sevens Plate final last weekend behind us,” said Middleton. “The outcome will all be down to our performance. We know if we are poor, we will be exposed, but if we produce the performance we can get the results we want.”
“As ever, our pool is tough. I think China are probably one of the best passing sides around while Russia have made some changes so they’ll have some fresh legs. Finally, Australia will be one of the tournament favourites in Amsterdam. They were very impressive in London, pulling New Zealand apart in the semi-finals, so we know only our very best will do for that game.”
England Sevens Squad:
Rachael Burford (Thurrock)
Abigail Chamberlain (C) (Richmond)
Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Marlie Packer (Wasps)
Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
Joanne Watmore (Richmond)
Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol)
Kay Wilson (Thurrock)
Sarah McKenna (Saracens)
Claire Allan (Richmond)
England playing schedule:
22 May
England v China, KO 11:42am BST
England v Russia, KO 2:26pm BST
Australia v England, KO 4:48pm BST
23 May
Knock-out stages TBC.
