The Red Roses will play three tests in the 2018 Quilter Internationals, including a first game for the side at Castle Park, Doncaster.
England Women will play USA, Canada and Ireland in the three-test November series at three different venues across the country.
The Red Roses open their campaign against USA Women at Allianz Park on Friday 9 November, kick off 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports Action.
They then travel north to take on Canada at Castle Park on Sunday 18 November, kick off 2pm, live on Sky Sports and EnglandRugby.com. The final test takes place at Twickenham Stadium following the conclusion of England v Australia when the Red Roses take on 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup hosts Ireland, kick off 5.40pm, and live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix.
England Women Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “With no summer tour this year, the Quilter Internationals cannot come soon enough. The squad are raring to go and we couldn’t wish for a better start than against the USA.
“They are an international team on the rise, evidenced by their performance in the semi-final of last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“Like us, Canada and Ireland will be looking forward to continuing their evolution with new squads and coaching staff in place.
“We look forward to returning to Allianz Park for our opening game and are really excited to host a first women’s international in Yorkshire before returning to Twickenham which is always a great occasion.”
RFU Director of Professional Rugby Nigel Melville said: “This is an excellent opportunity to take the Red Roses to new audiences. Allianz Park has already proven itself a first class venue while we are really excited to work with Castle Park and Doncaster Council to deliver a world class international in front of a big crowd.”
Saracens Chairman Nigel Wray said: “Women’s sport is only going in one direction and that is massive growth. That’s why it’s a huge privilege for us to be hosting the national side, England, at Allianz Park against USA. I’m going to make sure I’m there!”
Doncaster Knights Chief Executive Tony De Mulder said: “It is a great honour for us at Castle Park and Doncaster Knights. We’re so proud of our stadium and the facilities we have here. It’ll be a great chance for thousands of people to see it and a great occasion for South Yorkshire to host an international rugby fixture.
“We have a women’s rugby programme that involves schools, our own team the Doncaster Demons, as well as Yorkshire that train at Castle Park, so it will bring a spotlight to women’s rugby to the good people of South Yorkshire. We can’t wait to play our part and encourage local girls and women to take up the sport and cheer on the Red Roses.”
England played Canada three times last season, winning the corresponding series 3-0.
The Red Roses have beaten USA Women on 17 of their 18 meetings, most recently overcoming them 47-26 in the opening pool stages of the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Dublin. The side last played Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations, with England coming away with a 33-11 win at the Ricoh Arena.
Entry to England Women v Ireland will be free following the conclusion of the men’s game, while tickets for the games at Allianz Park are available here and Castle Park here at £10 per adult and £5 for U16s.
Quilter Internationals 2018
England Women v USA Women
Friday 9 November – Allianz Park (KO 7.45pm, live Sky Sports Action)
Tickets available here
England Women v Canada Women
Sunday 18 November – Castle Park (KO 2pm, live Sky Sports and EnglandRugby.com)
Tickets available here
England Women v Ireland Women
Saturday 24 November – Twickenham Stadium (KO 5.40pm, live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix)
Free entry at the conclusion of the men’s game.
Courtesy of the RFU
