Emily Scarratt and Sarah McKenna are set to make their first starts on the Sevens World Series this season after being named in the England squad to compete in round three in Atlanta on March 14-15.
World Cup winner Scarratt has been side-lined through injury since October while McKenna has most recently been involved in England’s Six Nations campaign.
Richmond’s Abigail Chamberlain will lead England, who will be looking to improve on two consecutive Plate wins in Dubai and Brazil, with Rachael Burford named as vice-captain.
England Women’s Sevens Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “It’s great to be welcoming back these players into the squad. Emily brings a tremendous amount of experience, and quality strike power which we have missed in certain areas of our game. She also offers us flexibility in a number of positions while Sarah has really thrown her hat in the ring with some brilliant form of late and I am excited to have her back in the squad.”
England currently sit fifth in the Sevens World Series league table and will certainly be looking to improve on their Plate wins from the opening rounds. Canada, Brazil and China this time stand in England’s way in the pool stages in Atlanta.
Middleton added: “We are happy with the pool draw but we know it will be tough. Brazil played fantastically well on day one in Brazil so we cannot underestimate them. China can be really dangerous as well, though they are yet to hit their stride in the World Series and Canada are a side that are getting better and better. We have won one game and lost one game against them so it will definitely be about who gets it right on the day.”
England
Rachael Burford (VC) (Thurrock)
Abi Chamberlain (C) (Richmond)
Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol)
Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)
Sarah McKenna (Saracens)
Marlie Packer (Wasps)
Alice Richardson (Richmond)
Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)
Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
Danielle Waterman (Bristol)
Joanne Watmore (Richmond)
Natasha Brennan (Richmond)
Playing Schedule, Atlanta (UK times)
Day 1 (March 14)
England v China, KO 5:06pm
England v Brazil, KO 7:50pm
England v Canada, 10:12pm
Day 2 (March 15)
Knock out stages TBC
