Fran Matthews added to England squad for Rugby World Cup 7s in Moscow

Richmond’s Francesca Matthews has today (Monday) been called up to the England Women’s squad that will compete in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow this week (June 28-30).

Matthews comes in as a late replacement for Worcester’s Danielle Waterman who picked up an injury in training.

Matthews, 24, has been part of the Rugby World Cup training squad this season and has competed in the IRB World Sevens Series in China and Amsterdam where England finished second overall. She also featured in the winning London Marriott Sevens side in May.

“Whilst it is disappointing that Danielle has had to withdraw from the squad I am delighted to call up Fran who has been part of our training group for the last six months and has been tried and tested at the top level of international Sevens rugby,” said England Women’s Sevens Head Coach Barry Maddocks. “She is a class player who deserves to be in this squad.”

England’s Rugby World Cup campaign kicks off on Saturday when Maddocks’ side take on Russia, France and Japan in a tough pool group. England are seeded number one for the RWC.

England Sevens

Joanne Watmore (Worcester)

Heather Fisher (Worcester)

Marlie Packer (Bristol)

Michaela Staniford (Wasps) (C)

Rachael Burford (Thurrock)

Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)

Alice Richardson (Richmond) (VC)

Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)

Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

Katherine Merchant (Worcester)

Claire Allan (Richmond)

Francesca Matthews (Richmond)

 

Fran Matthews added to England squad for Rugby World Cup 7s in Moscow