England international Shaunagh Brown will make her 50th appearance for Harlequins Women this Saturday as Gerard Mullen’s side face Allianz Premier 15s newcomers Exeter Chiefs Women at Surrey Sports Park.
Looking to further secure the Club’s position at the top of the Allianz Premier 15s table, Mullen names an unchanged starting XV from last week’s victory against Wasps Ladies, while Red Roses scrum-half Leanne Riley misses out on selection due to injury. Returning amongst the Game Changers, hooker Elle Bloor and outside back Beth Wilcock are named in the 16 and 23 jerseys respectively, while centre Izzy Mayhew and Tess Braunerova are named in their first match day squads of the season.
Commenting ahead of this weekend’s clash, Mullen said: “We’re expecting a tough game against Exeter. We know they move the ball very well in attack and play with lots of tempo, so we’re going to have to be switched on defensively to shut them down.
“We’re only a couple of games into the season so we’re trying to build continuity with selection, but training has been very competitive and there’s a couple of people that have only just missed out.”
On Brown’s contribution to the squad ahead of her 50th appearance, Mullen said: “Shaunagh is an integral part of the squad, both on and off the field and brings great energy to the team.
“She richly deserves her 50th cap and I’m looking forward to seeing her play on Saturday.”
Harlequins Women Starting XV:
1. Vickii Cornborough
2. Amy Cokayne
3. Shaunagh Brown
4. Abbie Ward
5. Fi Fletcher
6. Emily Robinson
7. Beth Dainton
8. Sarah Beckett
9. Leanne Riley
10. Ellie Green
11. Jess Breach
12. Rachael Burford – Captain
13. Lagi Tuima
14. Heather Cowell
15. Emily Scott
Game Changers:
16. Elle Bloor
17. Tove Viksten
18. Chloe Edwards
19. Alice Sheffield
20. Katy Mew
21. Luck Packer
22. Izzy Mayhew
23. Beth Wilcock
With thanks to Harlequins
