England Women Sevens’ 12-player squad for the third leg of the World Rugby HSBC Women’s Sevens Series travelled to Las Vegas last night ahead of the weekend’s competition (3-4 March).
James Bailey has made three changes to the side. 19-year-old Holly Aitchison and Lotte Clapp, who has 10 senior 15-a-side caps and scored a try in England’s 2016 Six Nations win over Italy, will make their World Series debuts in Las Vegas, while Deborah Fleming rejoins the squad having appeared in the opening leg of the series in Dubai.
Abbie Brown will again captain the side and is joined by Team GB teammates Alice Richardson-Watmore and Jo Richardson-Watmore. Fellow Olympian Heather Fisher is a notable absentee, missing the competition with an injury.
Following a disappointing performance last time in Sydney, England face a tough opening day of competition, drawn in Pool C against Olympic champions Australia, current series leaders New Zealand and Brazil. Pool games will be available to view online via WorldRugby.org with live broadcast of the play-off finals early Sunday morning on Sky Sports Mix (12.35 – 2.45am).
England Women Sevens assistant coach Bailey said: “The result in Sydney was disappointing but the players have responded well in training ahead of this next round.
“The squad has shown resilience and we have been working hard on all aspects of our performance to ensure we move forward in Las Vegas.
“The USA Sevens will be a challenging tournament for this group having been drawn in the same pool as Australia, New Zealand and Brazil, however it will be another opportunity for the squad to test themselves against some of the best teams in the world.”
England sit eighth in the World Rugby HSBC Women’s Sevens Series standings after they were defeated 17-12 by Brazil in the final of the Challenge Trophy in Sydney and a fourth place finish in Dubai.
England Women squad, Las Vegas
- Natasha Brennan
- Abbie Brown ©
- Alice Richardson-Watmore
- Millie Wood
- Lauren Cattell
- Deborah Fleming
- Lotte Clapp
- Kelly Smith
- Fran Matthews
- Jo Richardson-Watmore
- Holly Aitchison
- Chantelle Miell
Schedule Pool C (all times GMT and games available via WorldRugby.org)
Friday 3 March
v Australia, KO 6.07pm
v New Zealand, KO 8.30pm
v Brazil, KO 11.37pm
Report courtesy of England Rugby
