A home derby for the first of Allianz Premier 15s – Yes, that’s right- the wait is over!
It seems like many moons ago that we were last here and after what has been a very long, unforeseen, adapted but nevertheless exciting preseason, we are very much looking forward to welcoming Allianz Premier 15’s back to Twyford Avenue- behind closed doors.
After the unfortunate postponement of last week’s game against Bristol Bears, the squad are raring and ready to take on London rivals Harlequins for the first home game of the season. With 803 caps, 364 Premier 15’s tries and a total of 8 debuts between them – Giselle Mather has named an exciting squad to kick start the season.
Starting with the pack- West, Muir and Stock lead from the front, with Crake and Millar-Mills forming the second row. With 187 caps to her name, Mitchelson starts at 6 alongside former U20s player Kabeya at 7, with England 7s player Burton completing the pack at 8.
A new and exciting 9, 10 combination leads the backs with MacDonald starting at scrum half joined by debutant Meg Jones at 10. Club captain Alder and experienced Wasp Rowland fill the centre with a speedy back line of Dow joined by former England 7s players Quansah and Kildunne.
Adding fire to finish- Afilaka and Ransley return from last season and are joined by Caux and England International Kerr to make up the forwards replacements. And, to complete the line up Wong, William, Williams and Mason are your finishers for the backs.
Last week saw Harlequins put a mighty score over DMP, nevertheless, Alder and the squad are ready to welcome them to Twyford avenue and meet their match.
“We just can’t wait to be out there, playing the game we love. SO much work has gone in from every player, and every member of staff, to get us to this position. Now it’s down to us to go out there, be strong, be fearless, and play our game.” – Captain Kate Alder
Whilst this match will be played behind closed doors and strictly no spectators will be allowed into Twyford Avenue in adherence with RFU and local government guidelines relating to COVID-19, it will be available on live stream via the below links- so make sure you follow the action as we virtually welcome you back to some black and gold rugby!
Team Line Up
1 Hannah West
2 Maud Muir
3 Andrea Stock
4 Elizabeth Crake
5 Harriet Millar-Mills
6 Sarah Mitchelson
7 Sadia Kabeya
8 Abby Burton
9 Claudia MacDonald
10 Meg Jones
11 Abby Dow
12 Kate Alder – Captain
13 Gemma Rowlands
14 Celia Quansah
15 Ellie Kildunne
16 Heather Kerr
17 Kany Afilika
18 Morgan Ransley
19 Helene Caux
20 Flo Williams
21 Sammy Wong
22 Carys Williams
23 Katie Mason
Live Stream
Premier15s.com (this will go live Saturday morning) – https://www.premier15s.com/news/article/live–wasps-fc-ladies-v-harlequins-women
Premier15s Twitter – https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1RDGlrgZmvVxL
England Rugby Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby/videos/969550920190758/
England Rugby YouTube – https://youtu.be/twdsB16au9o
