Richmond's Fran Matthews starts for England A

The England Women’s A team to take on the world champions New Zealand on November 17th, kick off 7pm at Esher RFC, has today (Tuesday) been announced.

England A take on the Black Ferns as part of a three test series for the New Zealanders. New Zealand will also play England on November 14th at Esher RFC, kick off 4pm, and at Twickenham Stadium on November 21st as part of the Investec Challenge Double Header. Entry to the game at Twickenham is free after 415pm. Kick off is at 445pm.

England A Head Coach Mike Barnett has selected a strong squad which includes Bristol’s Kim Oliver, Wasps’ Michaela Staniford and Richmond’s Fran Matthews who share 70 caps between them. Saracens’ Sonia Green will captain the side. In total there are 11 players in the 22 who have all been capped.

England A Head Coach Mike Barnett said: “I am really pleased with the quality of players we have been able to select for this match. This is a massive game for England A so it’s great to be able to call on such experienced players. Sonia is captain, but our capped players will also be able to offer her leadership support. At the same time we have some very talented younger players such as Laura Keates, Marlie Packer and Charlotte Male. They are stepping up from the under 20s so this is a big opportunity for them, as it is for all the players with the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London just around the corner.

“New Zealand will no doubt come over here as a very experienced side. Their players will be very comfortable on the ball, and will have a great game understanding. They have a rugby culture which is second to none, so it’s up to us to match them and cause them as many problems as we can, and at the same time keep our defence very tight.”

England A

• 15 Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Sharks
• 14 Francesca Matthews Richmond
• 13 Michaela Staniford Wasps
• 12 Kimberley Oliver Bristol
• 11 Amber Penrith Worcester
• 10 Danielle Knight Lichfield
• 9 La Toya Mason Wasps
• 1 Laura Keates Worcester
• 2 Olivia Poore Lichfield
• 3 Monica Lewinska Bristol
• 4 Natalie Binstead Wasps
• 5 Rowena Burnfield Richmond
• 6 Marlie Packer Bristol
• 7 Gemma Sharples Worcester
• 8 Sonia Green Saracens Captain

Replacements:

• 16 Emma Layland Richmond
• 17 Charlotte Male Bristol
• 18 Sara Anastasi Richmond
• 19 Isabelle Noel-Smith Bristol
• 20 Georgina Rozario Bristol
• 21 Abi Chamberlain Richmond
• 22 Natasha Hunt Bristol