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England axe 3 players as 35-woman Red Roses squad named
By Kim Ekin
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)
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Latest Comments
Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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