England axe 3 players as 35-woman Red Roses squad named

Red Roses head coach Simon Middleton has dropped three players as he named an updated 35-player England Women’s squad ahead of this weekend’s Test match against USA.

Gloucester full-back Emma Sing, Worcester prop Laura Keates, and Loughborough Lightning prop Detysha Harper do not feature in the squad.

The Test which is due to be played in Exeter forms part of England's preparation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The Red Roses are currently the bookies' favourites to win the trophy after walking through their international opponents this last calendar year.

“We’ve had a good month of preparation at Pennyhill Park where the players have worked extremely hard," said Middleton. “We’ve reduced the squad to 35 ahead of this weekend’s match. Those not selected in this squad remain very much part of the wider World Cup training squad and in contention. We feel it’s best for them to return to their clubs for their own pre-seasons and we will of course be monitoring and in touch throughout.

“We’re looking forward to spending the week in Exeter ahead of what is an exciting game.”

FORWARDS

Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears)

Hannah Botterman (Saracens)

Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins)

Bryony Cleall (Wasps)

Poppy Cleall (Saracens)

Amy Cokayne (Harlequins)

Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins)

Lark Davies (Bristol Bears)

Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens)

Rosie Galligan (Harlequins)

Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning)

Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning)

Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning)

Marlie Packer (Saracens)

Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning)

Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears)

BACKS

Holly Aitchison (Saracens)

Jess Breach (Saracens)

Zoe Harrison (Saracens)

Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury)

Leanne Infante (Saracens)

Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins)

Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs)

Sarah McKenna (Saracens)

Lucy Packer (Harlequins)

Amber Reed (Bristol Bears)

Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning)

Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning)

Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors)

Abby Dow (Wasps; rehabilitation)