Red Roses squad for Ireland announced
Simon Middleton has named his match day squad for Sunday’s TikTok Women’s Six Nations match against Ireland at Welford Road (kick-off 12 noon and live on BBC Two).
- Kick off 12 noon
- Live on BBC Two
- Tickets available here.
Emily Scarratt is set to earn her 100th cap at her hometown stadium while scrum half Leanne Infante reaches the 50 cap milestone. Helena Rowland plays at full back for the first time in her England career with Lydia Thompson and Jess Breach making up the back three.
Zoe Aldcroft (lock) returns for her first appearance of the 2022 tournament after injury, Abbie Ward starts alongside her, while Sarah Hunter captains the side at No.8. Alex Matthews (blindside flanker) and Marlie Packer (openside flanker) are also selected.
Vickii Cornborough (loosehead prop), Lark Davies (hooker) and Sarah Bern (tighthead prop) retain their spots in the front row. Saracens duo Zoe Harrison and Holly Aitchison make up the 10-12 axis. Long-term absentees Amy Cokayne and Hannah Botterman are named among the finishers.
"We’re really looking forward to our second home game of this Six Nations campaign and playing at Welford Road," said Middleton. "It will be a very special day for two of our players. I’d like to say a huge congratulations to Emily Scarratt and Leanne Infante on their 100 cap and 50 cap milestones respectively.
“It will be an incredible occasion for Scaz in her hometown, you couldn’t write it and the stars have really aligned. Leanne fully deserves the recognition, 50 caps is a massive achievement. She’s been competing with very tough opposition for the scrum half shirt for a number of years but has really established herself as a key part of the Red Roses. We’re looking forward to marking the day with her.
Squad
15. Helena Rowland
14. Lydia Thompson
13. Emily Scarratt
12. Holly Aitchison
11. Jessica Breach
10. Zoe Harrison
9. Leanne Infante (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough
2. Lark Davies
3. Sarah Bern
4. Zoe Aldcroft
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 53 caps)
6. Alex Matthews
7. Marlie Packer
8. Sarah Hunter (c)
Finishers
16. Amy Cokayne
17. Hannah Botterman
18. Maud Muir
19. Rosie Galligan (Harlequins, 4 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall
21. Natasha Hunt
22. Amber Reed
23. Ellie Kildunne
