Source: RFU

Jo Yapp names England Women U20 side to play France

  • +1

England Women U20 head coach Jo Yapp has named an unchanged starting XV for the side’s second clash against France Women U20 on Saturday 16 March, KO 2.30pm in Newbury.

After being defeated 31-12 in the first of their two-game series in Strasbourg last week, England will host France at Newbury RFC this weekend.

Yapp has made three changes to the bench with Loughborough Lightning centre Ellen Ramsbottom receiving her first call-up for England Women U20 and Bristol Bears duo Florence Long and Ebony Jeffries also being named as finishers.

Bristol Bears centre Pheobe Murray will captain the side and will be accompanied by vice-captain Amelia Harper who is named as open-side flanker.

“Despite the result not going our way last weekend I’m really pleased with how the squad have come together this week, analysed our game and identified where we need to improve to build on our performance this weekend,” said Yapp.

She added: “I’m looking forward to seeing how these learnings will be implemented on Saturday which will enable the players to demonstrate what they are capable of.”

England Women U20 match day 23 for France Women U20 (Club/College/University)

15. Carys Cox (Worcester Valkyries/Cardiff Metropolitan University)
14. Merryn Doidge (Bristol Bears/Exeter College)
13. Pheobe Murray (Bristol Bears/University of Bristol)
12. Megan Varley (Worcester Valkyries/Coventry University)
11. Cara Clarke (Worcester Valkyries/University of Bath)
10. Ellie Green (Harlequins Ladies/Reigate Grammar School)
9. Megan Davey (Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough University)

1. Akina Gondwe (Worcester Valkyries/University of Worcester)
2. Bryony Field (Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough College)
3. Detysha Harper (Firwood Waterloo Ladies/Manchester Metropolitan University)
4. Iona Antwis (Gloucester-Hartpury/Hartpury Collee)
5. Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears/Exeter University)
6. Cara Brincat (Worcester Valkyries/University of Worcester)
7. Amelia Harper (Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough College)
8. Anya Richmond (Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough College)

16. Charlie Budge (Bristol Bears/University of Exeter)
17. Florence Long (Bristol Bears/SGS College Filton)
18. Jessica Thomas (Bristol Bears/University of Exeter)
19. Ebony Jeffries (Bristol Bears/University of Exeter)
20. Eleanor Febrey (Gloucester Hartpury/Hartpury College)
21. Jodie Mallard (Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough College)
22. Lucie Skuse (Bristol Bears)
23. Ellen Ramsbottom (Loughborough Lightning/Loughborough College)

England Women U20 fixtures

England Women U20 35-3 Army Women
Saturday 9 February
Army Rugby Stadium, Aldershot

France Women U20 31-12 England Women U20
Saturday 9 March, KO 6pm
Stade de Hautepierre, Strasbourg

England Women U20 v France Women U20
Saturday 16 March, KO 2.30pm
Newbury RFC
Courtesy of the RFU