Source: Mike Lee - KLC Fotos

England Women Sevens squad named for Dubai

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England Women Sevens head coach James Bailey has named his 12-player squad for the second round of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series which takes place in Dubai on 29 & 30 November, streamed live on WorldRugby.org.

Last year’s RPA Women’s Sevens Player of the Year winner Alex Matthews will make her first appearance for England this season in Dubai in one of two changes made to the squad that played in the opening round of this season’s World Series in Colorado last month.

Alongside a wealth of experienced names in Bailey’s squad are a number of newly contracted players to the England Sevens programme who made their World Series debuts in Colorado, with new caps Ellie Kildunne and Emma Uren both running in tries across the weekend. Amy Wilson Hardy has also joined up with the squad for the upcoming tournament.

Commenting ahead of Dubai Bailey said: “This is one of the most exciting squads that we’ve taken to a World Series tournament with the blend of players who have performed so well on the world stage in recent years alongside a young crop of players who really impressed in Denver.

“There were a huge number of positives to draw on from the opening leg last month and we also identified which areas particularly needed developing leading in to Dubai.

“I’m extremely impressed with how hard the squad have worked over the last four weeks and the excellent work ethic that they’ve demonstrated preparing for this next tournament. The energy and the enthusiasm that some of the young players bring is great and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can display this on the pitch in Dubai.”

On day one England will face reigning World Series champions Australia, USA and China in Pool B.

On Dubai Bailey added: “Whether they’ve played in Dubai before or if it’s their first time, Dubai is without a doubt a tournament that the whole squad looks forward to. It’s a very unique tournament with a fantastic atmosphere and home support – it will be a brilliant experience for everyone.”

England Women Sevens squad for Dubai:

Holly Aitchison
Jess Breach
Abbie Brown ©
Abi Burton
Deborah Fleming
Natasha Hunt
Ellie Kildunne
Alex Matthews
Helena Rowland
Emily Scarratt
Emma Uren
Amy Wilson Hardy

England’s Pool B fixtures (all times GMT), Thursday 29 November, streamed live on WorldRugby.orgwith highlights available on Sky Sports Mix:

England v Australia, 08.44am
England v USA, 12.02pm
England v China, 2.37pm

Courtesy of the RFU