Rugby College: England name experienced squad for Women"s Rugby World Cup in France

Thursday, 10 July 2014

By

Mike Dawes

Published:

10:19, 10 July 2014

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Updated:

10:19, 10 July 2014

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England have named an experienced squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which begins in France next month.

Fly-half Katy Mclean will captain England, runners-up in the 2010 tournament, with five players taking part in their third World Cup.

Ready: The England Women

Ready: The England Women’s rugby team with Chris Robshaw (centre)

Flanker Margaret Alphonsi, centre Rachael Burford, lock Tamara Taylor, full-back Danielle Waterman and prop Rochelle Clark were all involved in the 2006 and 2010 tournaments and seven more played in 2010, while nine are set to make their World Cup debuts.

Clark is the most-capped player in the group after being involved in 91 international matches.

Head coach Gary Street said: ‘This is a really exciting and strong squad going into a World Cup.

‘We have a good balance of new, fresh players hungry for their first World Cup experience but also several more experienced heads.’

England’s first game is against Samoa on August 1 in Marcoussis.

In it to win: Skipper Katy Mclean (left) will lead England in France, with Alexandra Matthews (right) also included

ENGLAND WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SQUAD 2014

Backs: Claire Allan (Richmond), Rachael Burford (Thurrock), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), Ceri Large (Worcester), La Toya Mason (Wasps), Katy Mclean (captain, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Katherine Merchant (Worcester), Amber Reed (Bristol), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Lydia Thompson (Worcester), Danielle Waterman (Bristol), Kay Wilson (Bristol).

Forwards: Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), Rochelle Clark (Worcester), Emma Croker (Richmond), Rebecca Essex (Richmond), Heather Fisher (Worcester), Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield), Sophie Hemming (Bristol), Sarah Hunter (vice-captain, Lichfield), Laura Keates (Worcester), Alexandra Matthews (Richmond), Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), Marlie Packer (Wasps), Claire Purdy (Wasps), Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks).