Red Roses squad for France announced
Simon Middleton has named his England match day squad to face France in the final round of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations.
Alex Matthews is in line to earn her 50th cap, starting at blindside flanker. Centre Emily Scarratt captains the side while lock Abbie Ward is named as vice-captain.
- Live on BBC Two on Saturday
- Kick off at 2:15pm
Leanne Infante is selected at scrum half with Zoe Harrison and Holly Aitchison forming the 10-12 axis. Helena Rowland starts at full back once more alongside Lydia Thompson and Jess Breach.
Poppy Cleall takes the No.8 shirt with Saracens team mate Marlie Packer at openside flanker. World Rugby Player of the Year Zoe Aldcroft is at lock. Vickii Cornborough, Lark Davies and Sarah Bern form the front row.
Forwards Sarah Beckett and Sadia Kabeya return to the match day squad and take their place among the finishers.
"We are really looking forward to our final fixture in France," said Middleton. "Playing France in France is always a massive challenge. They have been the leaders in attracting large crowds for a long time. It’s great that we are now replicating that and Gloucester and Leicester should be applauded.
"Matches against France are always tight affairs. We know this one will be no different. I believe it will come down to which squad can maintain their intensity and focus, something we have done well in this competition. We are looking forward to the challenge."
Squad
Red Roses
15. Helena Rowland, 14. Lydia Thompson, 13. Emily Scarratt (C), 12. Holly Aitchison, 11. Jessica Breach, 10. Zoe Harrison, 9. Leanne Infante, 1. Vickii Cornborough, 2. Lark Davies, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Zoe Aldcroft, 5. Abbie Ward, 6. Alex Matthews, 7. Marlie Packer, 8. Poppy Cleall.
Finishers
16. Amy Cokayne, 17. Hannah Botterman, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Rosie Galligan, 20. Sarah Beckett, 21. Sadia Kabeya, 22. Natasha Hunt, 23. Ellie Kildunne.
