Red Roses side to face Wales in TikTok Women’s Six Nations
Simon Middleton has named a 23-player Red Roses squad to take on Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.
Marlie Packer captains the side from open-side flanker while Alex Matthews makes her first appearance of the tournament at No.8. Sadia Kabeya is named at blind-side flanker.
Emma Sing makes her first international start at full back with Jess Breach (right wing) and Abby Dow (left wing) forming the back three. Lucy Packer is at scrum half with Holly Aitchison and Tatyana Heard once again forming the 10-12 axis. Lagi Tuima makes her third consecutive start at outside centre.
- Kick off at 2:15pm, live on BBC Two
Bristol Bears’ Lark Davies is the starting hooker with Mackenzie Carson and Sarah Bern making up the front row. Vice-captain Zoe Aldcroft and Cath O’Donnell are the second row combination, while Saracens hooker May Campbell could earn her first international cap as she takes her place among the substitutes.
The trip to the Welsh capital also sees the return of Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir and Ellie Kildunne following injury lay-offs, they are named as finishers. Amy Cokayne is unavailable for selection as part of England Rugby’s agreement with the Royal Air Force. The Red Roses hooker will be representing the Royal Air Force Senior Women in their Inter Service rugby union match against the British Army at Kingsholm on the same day.
"We’re pleased to welcome back key personnel including Alex Matthews, Hannah Botterman, Maud Muir and Ellie Kildunne to the match day squad," said Middleton. "Our sports science team deserve great credit for their tireless efforts over the past few months and have yet again returned players safely ahead of schedule.
"Emma Sing makes her first start in an England shirt. She’s performed extremely well for Gloucester-Hartpury this season and has impressed us in camps and her international appearances to date.
"Although we have world class hookers in our squad, it’s essential we continue to look to strengthen the depth in that position. May Campbell has been a standout player in the Allianz Premier 15s over the last couple of seasons and has been tremendous in camp for us. She’s patiently bided her time and deservedly gets her opportunity this weekend."
Red Roses team to play Wales
Starting
15. Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury)
14. Jess Breach (Saracens)
13. Lagi Tuima (Harlequins)
12. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury)
11. Abby Dow (Harlequins)
10. Holly Aitchison (Saracens)
9. Lucy Packer (Harlequins)
1. Mackenzie Carson (Saracens)
2. Lark Davies (Bristol Bears)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (VC; Gloucester Hartpury)
5. Cath O'Donnell (Loughborough Lightning)
6. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning)
7. Marlie Packer (C; Saracens)
8. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Finishers
16. May Campbell (Saracens)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens)
18. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury)
19. Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears)
20. Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury)
21. Ella Wyrwas (Saracens)
22. Sarah McKenna (Saracens)
23. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins)
