The England Women Sevens squad who will play inter-squad exhibition matches at this weekend’s London 7s (28-29 May, Twickenham Stadium) has been named.
The 22-player group is made up of core sevens players, players who have represented England U20s this season as well as those who have stood out in England Sevens camps and in the Allianz Premier 15s throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Core players Ellie Boatman, Abbie Brown, Abi Burton, Heather Cowell, Grace Crompton, Amy Wilson Hardy, Alicia Maude, Isla Norman-Bell and Jodie Ounsley are selected.
British Army’s Courtney Pursglove joins the group alongside England U20s’ Maisy Allen, Jenny Hesketh, Nikita Prothero, Georgina Tasker, Ella Lovibond and Holly Thorpe.
Harlequins’ Lagi Tuima is included and joined by Loughborough Lightning duo Emma Hardy and Jess Weaver.
Lauren Torley and Jade Shekells have featured in recent sevens tournaments and return while Vicky Laflin (Worcester Warriors) is selected.
The teams will play three matches across the weekend. On Saturday England Women will be on the pitch immediately after the last scheduled men’s match (KO 18.55) and on Sunday they kick off the day (KO 9.00) and then return to the pitch between match 41 and 42 (KO 16.09).
London follows the sevens’ participation in the Toulouse leg of the World Series and will act as key preparation for the home Commonwealth Games taking place in Birmingham this summer.
Rodwell said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for the group and one we’re all looking forward to.
“The chance to play in an England shirt anywhere in the world is a huge honour but to do it in front of home support including friends and family is something a number of these players will get to do for the first time which will be special.
“We have an exciting summer coming up with European legs in Zagreb and Budapest followed by a home Commonwealth Games and these intersqaud games will be paramount and are an opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection across the summer too.
“All of the players selected have performed well in training and matches and thoroughly deserve the opportunity to play at Twickenham in front of a home crowd.
“We as a sevens programme are passionate about inspiring the next generation of players within England and want to showcase the sport. That’s our aim come Saturday.”
England Women Sevens squad
Maisy Allan (Exeter Chiefs)
Ellie Boatman (England 7s, Wasps)
Abbie Brown (England 7s, Loughborough Lightning)
Abi Burton (England 7s, Wasps)
Heather Cowell (England 7s, Harlequins)
Grace Crompton (England 7s, Bristol Bears)
Emma Hardy (Loughborough Lightning)
Amy Wilson Hardy (England 7s, Wasps)
Jenny Hesketh (Bristol Bears)
Vicky Laflin (Worcester Warriors)
Ella Lovibond (Bristol Bears)
Alicia Maude (England 7s, Gloucester-Hartpury)
Isla Norman-Bell (England 7s)
Jodie Ounsley (England 7s, Sale Sharks)
Nikita Prothero (Loughborough Lightning)
Courtney Pursglove (British Army)
Jade Shekells (Worcester Warriors)
Georgina Tasker (Loughborough Lightning)
Holly Thorpe (DMP Durham Sharks)
Lauren Torley (DMP Durham Sharks)
Lagi Tuima (Harlequins)
Jess Weaver (Loughborough Lightning)
Tickets for London 7s are available here.
With thanks to England Rugby
