27 players have convened at Bisham Abbey ahead of England’s first Test of the Old Mutual Wealth Series against Canada on Friday 17th November at Allianz Park (KO 19:30, livestream on englandrugby.com).
Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning) and England Women U20s player Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women) have been called up to join the England squad for the first time.
Both players come as replacements for Sarah Bern (Gloucester-Hartpury) and Harriett Millar-Mills (Wasps FC Ladies). Bern has been ruled out of the Old Mutual Wealth Series with an injury (foot) and Millar-Mills for the rest of the season after picking up a long term injury (knee).
Non EPS player Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies) has also been called up to join the squad ahead of the first Test.
England Women head coach Simon Middleton said: “We will be focussed on bringing the squad together, which combines exciting young talent and more experienced players, ensuring we are fully prepared to take on Canada in the opening Test this Friday.
“Catherine O’Donnell and Hannah Botterman, who have been called up, offer the characteristics that we are looking to see from the team this year, playing a confrontational style of rugby and we feel they will add an edge to the side. While Shaunagh Brown (pictured above) has earned the opportunity to join the squad ahead of the first Test, after putting in consistently outstanding performances in the Tyrrells Premier 15s this season. We are looking forward to seeing what she can bring to the international setup.”
“Sadly Harriett Millar-Mills will not feature this season after picking up a long-term injury ahead of camp. She delivered some incredible performances this season in the Tyrrells Premier 15s, we wish her the best with her recovery. We feel for Sarah Bern who will also miss the series through injury, which was picked up on club duty, but we know she will be working hard to over the next couple of months to be back in contention ahead of the Six Nations.”
Izzy Noel Smith (Bristol Ladies) and Justine Lucas (Wasps FC Ladies) will join up with the squad later in the week. Lucas will continue her rehabilitation with England after picking up an injury (ankle) last month.
* denotes uncapped player
Forwards
Jo Brown (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)*
Rowena Burnfield (Richmond FC)
Amy Cokayne (Wasps FC Ladies)
Rochelle Clark (Wasps FC Ladies)
Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women)
Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies)
Lark Davies (Worcester Valkyries)
Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning)
Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Justine Lucas (Wasps FC Ladies)
Izzy Noel-Smith (Bristol Ladies)
Marlie Packer (Saracens Women)
Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Abbie Scott (Harlequins Ladies)
Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies)*
Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning)*
Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women)*
Backs
Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies)
Jess Breach (Harlequins Ladies)*
Charlotte Clapp (Saracens Women)
Katy Daley-Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Abigail Dow (Wasps FC Ladies)*
Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women)*
Ellie Kildunne (Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC)*
Caity Mattinson (Bristol Ladies)*
Amber Reed (Bristol Ladies)
Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies)
Lagi Tuima (Bristol Ladies)*
Danielle Waterman (Wasps FC Ladies)
Old Mutual Wealth Series 2017
17th November – Allianz Park (KO 19:30, live stream via Englandrugby.com)
England Women v Canada
Tickets available via Saracens website
21st November – Twickenham Stoop (KO 19:45, live Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Mix)
England Women v Canada
Tickets available via Englandrugby.com/tickets
25th November – Twickenham Stadium (KO 17:40, live Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Mix)
England Women v Canada
Report courtesy of England Rugby
