England Women convened today for their final week-long training camp at Bisham Abbey ahead of the Six Nations opening Test against Italy in Stadio Mirabello (KO 17:30 GMT, Live Sky Sports).
Simon Middleton, England head coach said: “This is an important camp in terms preparation for our opening game. We are under no illusions around the challenge of playing Italy. They are very skilled and unpredictable side in their style of play, with a strong pack and good set piece.
“For the players this is their final opportunity to put their hand up for selection. Our goal is to win the Six Nations and to do that we will be picking our strongest squad of players available, so it’s essential that individuals perform at the top of their game in this camp.”
Charlotte Pearce (Loughborough Lightning), who played in the training games against South Africa last year and has been part of England’s extended training camps, joins the squad as a newly appointed EPS Player.
Middleton added: “We are delighted to name Charlotte as part of the EPS squad. She has earned her position through impressive performances, week in, week out in the Tyrrells Premier 15s.
“Charlotte fits the bill in terms of the type of player we are looking to develop. She is dynamic, abrasive and will bring energy and edge to our squad.”
The Red Roses will convene again on 2nd February when they depart for their opening Test against Italy. England won the Six Nations in 2017 with their first Grand Slam since 2012.
England Six Nations training camp:
Backs
Bianca Blackburn (Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC)
Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies)
Lauren Cattell (Saracens Women)
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)
Charlotte Pearce (Loughborough Lightning)
Amber Reed (Bristol Ladies)
Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies)
Kelly Smith (Gloucester- Hartpury Women’s RFC)
Lagi Tuima (Bristol Ladies)
Danielle Waterman (Wasps FC Ladies)
Rachael Woosey (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Forwards
Sarah Bern (Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC)
Jo Brown (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies)
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)
Olivia Jones (Loughborough Lightning)
Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Poppy Leitch (Bristol Ladies)
Justine Lucas (Wasps FC Ladies)
Izzy Noel-Smith (Bristol Ladies)
Catherine O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning)
Marlie Packer (Saracens Women)
Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
Abbie Scott (Harlequins Ladies)
England Women Six Nations fixtures:
Italy v England
Sunday 4 February, KO 17:30 GMT, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix
Stadio Mirabello, Reggio Emilia
England v Wales
Saturday 10 February, KO 12:15pm, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix
Twickenham Stoop
Tickets available here
Scotland v England
Friday 23 February, KO 19:30, Live Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Arena via red button
Scotstoun, Glasgow
France v England
Saturday 10 March, KO 20:00 GMT, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix
Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
England v Ireland
Friday 16 March, KO 17:30, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Tickets available here
