England Women Sevens announce squad for Kharkiv 7s Grand Prix
James Bailey has named his England Women’s Sevens squad for the third and final leg of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series, streamed live on the Rugby Europe website.
Abi Burton captains a side placed in Pool B, where England take on Belgium, Netherlands and Russia in Kharkiv, Ukraine on day one this Saturday.
Bailey’s outfit secured Great Britain Sevens’ place at next summer’s Olympic Games with victory in their qualifying event in Russia last weekend.
The final tournament of the campaign gives crossover 7s and 15s, as well as academy players an opportunity to gain further development experience and playing time.
Alongside Burton, fellow sevens players Lizzie Adam and Sydney Gregson return to the fold while Saracens trio Tilly Vaughan-Fowler, Chantelle Miell and Eloise Hayward are all included in a squad made up of youth and experience.
Last month, England finished fifth in the first round of the Grand Prix Sevens Series, which served as the ranking tournament ahead of the official European Olympic qualification event.
At the end of 2019 European Sevens Grand Prix Series, the team ranked at the top will be crowned European champions.
On naming the squad, Bailey said: “The Grand Prix gives us an opportunity to select some exciting young talent who have been performing well on the invitational circuit.
“It will be a step up from the invitationals and we’re excited to see what they can do.
“Abi Burton has impressed us throughout her debut season.
“She’s regularly shown her leadership qualities and will captain the side.”
England Women Sevens Squad:
Olivia Jones [Loughborough]
Sophie Shams [Durham]
Tilly Vaughan-Fowler [Saracens]
Chantelle Miell [Saracens]
Eloise Hayward [Saracens]
Becky Noon [Loughborough Lightning]
Lucy Burgess [Bristol Bears]
Lottie Holland [Exeter]
Kate Alder [Wasps]
Abi Burton [C]
Lizzie Adam
Sydney Gregson
England’s Pool B fixtures, all times BST, will be streamed live on Rugby Europe website.
- England v Belgium, 10: 06, Saturday 20 July
- England v Netherlands, 12: 51, Saturday 20 July
- Russia v England, 15:14, Saturday 20 July
