England U20 Women name first training squad of 2024
LJ Lewis has selected her first U20 Women's Training Squad since being named head coach in July 2023.
Of the 30 players selected, 15 have made appearances in the top-flight Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) so far this season. The squad consists of players from eight PWR clubs, as well as representatives from Worcester RFC, Henley Hawks Women and Exeter University.
Leah Brough (Worcester RFC) and Josie Plant (Exeter Chiefs) have been invited to this weekend’s (15-17 February) camp in Berkshire, with Loughborough Lightning’s Lia Green also offered a trial opportunity.
Former Premier 15s and Six Nations Grand Slam champion Sarah McKenna joins the U20 Women's coaching set-up for the 2023/24 season alongside head coach Lewis.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be offered to be part of this programme, the team have been very welcoming and I’ve been so impressed with the culture and work ethic,” said McKenna. “LJ is a fantastic coach and working alongside her has been a pleasure, with these upcoming games we have a tangible target to reach to get some positive performances, as well as results."
The programme leads to a slate of spring-time fixtures for the England U20 Women. They face the Women’s Army side for their first match at Havant RFC (23 March, 17:30 GMT).
Games against France and Wales U20 Women’s teams follow on 20 April and 4 May respectively, with host stadiums and kick-off times also to be decided in due course.
England Women’s Pathway U20 Training Squad for 2024
Jorja Battishill (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Joia Bennett (Saracens)
Reneeqa Bonner (Bristol Bears) *
Lucy Calladine (Loughborough Lightning)
Evelyn Clarke (Loughborough Lightning)
Ella Cromack (Harlequins)
Millie David (Bristol Bears)
Steph Else (Gloucester-Hartpury) *
Daisy Fitzgerald (Saracens)
Chloe Flanagan (Saracens)
Sophie Hopkins (Sale Sharks)
Millie Hyett (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Lilli Ives-Campion (Loughborough Lightning) **
Sophie Langford (Exeter Chiefs) *
Amelia Macdougall (Saracens)
Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women)
Sophie Molton (Trailfinders Women)
Anna Richardson (Exeter University)
Ellie Roberts (Loughborough Lightning)
Hannah Sams (Exeter Chiefs)
Tori Sellors (Saracens) *
Samantha Shiels (Trailfinders Women)
Katie Shillaker (Harlequins)
Niamh Swailes (Sale Sharks) *
Catherine Wells (Loughborough Lightning) *
Lola Whitley (Gloucester-Hartpury) *
Alex Wilkinson (Henley Hawks)
Niamh Williams (Sale Sharks) *
Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning)
Eva Wood (Sale Sharks)
Training invite for February camp
Leah Brough (Worcester RFC)
Josie Plant (Exeter Chiefs)
Chloe Benjamin (Harlequins)
Dani Preece (Exeter Chiefs)
Lucy Finch (Loughborough Lightning)
Amelia Hyndman (Sale Sharks)
Trial opportunity
Lia Green (Loughborough Lightning)
Unavailable for selection due to rehabilitation/injury
Grace Clifford (Loughborough Lightning) **
Molly Luthayi (Loughborough Lightning)
Becky Boyd (Loughborough Lightning)
Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning)
Tyla Shirley (Harlequins)
*denotes a player previously capped at U20 level
**denotes a contracted Red Roses transitional player
England U20 Women’s spring 2024 fixtures
England U20 Women vs. Army – 23 March 2024 (Havant RFC, 17:30 GMT kick-off)
France U20 Women vs. England U20 Women – 20 April 2024 (venue and kick-off time TBC)
England U20 Women vs. Wales U20 Women – 4 May 2024 (venue and kick-off time TBC)
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