Source: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

James Bailey names 12-player squad for Biarritz Sevens

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England Women Sevens head coach James Bailey has named his 12-player squad for the HSBC Biarritz Sevens on 15-16 June, streamed live via WorldRugby.org.

There are six changes to the side that finished sixth at the previous tournament in Langford.

Lizzie Adam and Emma Hardy, who helped England to a silver medal in Kitakyushu, return alongside Katie Mason who makes her first appearance on the world series this season; while there will be debuts for Sydney Gregson and Beth Wilcox.

Claire Allan, who features in her first tournament since Sydney after recovering from injury, will captain the side as England face Russia, invitational side Scotland and New Zealand in Pool A on day one of the competition.

Commenting on selection Bailey said: “We managed to build some good momentum over the past two tournaments, and the past few weeks has enabled us to have a real focus on what went well and thus what we need to do to reach our season goal.

“Selection has been looked at from an individual point of view. There are some players in need of match sharpness and some that could do with a refresh, so there are six changes to the squad for Biarritz.

“It’s also great to have Claire return from injury. I know she’s put a lot of effort to get back and will be looking forward to putting on an England shirt again and also to captain the side out in France. She’s well-respected within the squad and this is a great opportunity to see her step up and lead the side.”

Held at the Stade Aguiléra, Biarritz is the sixth and final round of the 2019 HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.

England currently sit sixth in the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series standings. The next opportunity to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games will be through the European regional qualifier event in Kazan, Russia (13-14 July).

Bailey added: “Our season goal has always been to qualify for the Olympics. We’re going into a really busy period now of four tournaments in six weeks. This means we need to be smart about how we manage the squad to ensure we peak at the right time.

“Biarritz offers another opportunity for us to grow as a squad and take another step in the right direction as we head into the key competitions over the next few weeks.”

England Women Sevens squad for Biarritz:

Lizzie Adam
Claire Allan (C)
Abi Burton
Heather Fisher
Deborah Fleming
Sydney Gregson
Emma Hardy
Megan Jones
Ellie Kildunne
Katie Mason
Celia Quansah
Beth Wilcock

England’s Pool A fixtures, all times BST, streamed live on WorldRugby.org:
England v Russia, 12:14, Saturday 15 June
England v Scotland, 14:58, Saturday 15 June
England v New Zealand, 18:04, Saturday 15 June

Courtesy of World Rugby