Four uncapped players will make their England debuts against Spain

Posted on May 10, 2012 in England Women

Four uncapped players will make their England debuts in Saturday’s opening FIRA-AER European Cup campaign against Spain, kick off 430pm BST, in Rovereto, Italy.

Worcester’s Lydia Thompson, Bristol’s Sally Tuson and Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ Ruth Laybourn will form a new look backs line-up for England, while Bristol’s Kate Newton will join an experienced front-row comprising of Rochelle Clark and Emma Croker who share 93 caps between them.

Worcester’s Danielle Waterman will start at fullback, her first game since the victorious autumn international series against world champions New Zealand, whilst Ceri Large and Georgina Rozario are the half backs.

In the forwards, Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter wears the captaincy armband and she is joined in the pack by fellow Six Nations winners Emily Braund, Tamara Taylor, Marlie Packer and Harriet Millar Mills.

On the bench Fiona Davidson (Richmond) and Lauren Cattell (Chesham) are also set to make their England debuts.

Graham Smith, England’s Head Coach for this tournament, said: “Despite this being a relatively new look England side, training has gone well and the squad have come together really well. I have been impressed with the squad’s approach to training and their discipline and they are working together really well. There will obviously be some challenges for the new caps on Saturday and that is where our experienced players will be vital.”

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Odejobi ruled out of Marriott London Sevens

Posted on May 10, 2012 in England Sevens

England’s Mark Odejobi has been ruled out of the Marriott London Sevens after sustaining a broken bone in a foot.

And Isoa Damudamu – injured in last month’s Army v Navy Babcock Trophy match – faces knee surgery and a long spell out of the game.

Former England Under 20 wing Odejobi was injured after coming off the bench in the second half of England’s 40-7 victory over Kenya on day one at Scotstoun.

It leaves Head Coach Ben Ryan with one place to fill in the 12-man squad for the Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham this weekend.

Former captain Andy Vilk (Rugby Lions), Bristol-based Simon Hunt and newcomer Jeff Williams, a centre who played in the French Federale 1 league with RC Chateaurenard this season, are all in contention for the final spot as England aim to take another step forward after beating Australia, South Africa and Fiji before falling to champions New Zealand in the Glasgow final.

“It’s a tough break for Mark who’d come back from injury and trained hard with us – and he was only on the field for three minutes,” said Ryan.

“But we’ll go with what we’ve got and bring in one of the three who’ve been training with us  regularly.

“Andy Vilk and Simon Hunt are experienced sevens internationals who’ve played and won big tournaments with England while Jeff has impressed us with the way he’s fitted into the group in the last month.”

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Vunipola replaces Kvesic in England Under 20 squad

Posted on May 10, 2012 in England U20

London Wasps back row Billy Vunipola will replace injured Worcester Warriors flanker Matt Kvesic in the England Under 20 squad for the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa next month.

Former Under 18 international Billy, brother of Mako who played in last year’s competition, is in line to make his Under 20 debut after impressing for Wasps in the latter stages of the season.

Aviva Premiership Discovery of the Season nominee Kvesic misses out after having surgery on a shoulder injury, meaning the 20-year-old Warrior won’t add to his 14 Under 20 caps.

Vunipola said: “This is a really exciting opportunity and one I’m looking forward to. Matt’s a quality player and he’ll be missed, but having trained with the squad earlier in the season I know that there’s some real talent in there.”

Kvesic added: “I’m obviously gutted to miss the tournament. After losing in last year’s final against New Zealand I was looking forward to giving it another crack, but it’s not meant to be. I’ve loved every minute representing the Under 20s and I wish the guys the best of luck in South Africa – I’ve got every confidence they’ll give it their all.”

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Marriott London Sevens hits new heights at Twickenham Stadium

Posted on May 10, 2012 in Sevens

The Marriott London Sevens is set to hit new heights with another world record weekend at Twickenham Stadium in the final leg of this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series.

More than 90,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament – launched today at the EDF Energy London Eye and the London Marriott Hotel County Hall with coaches and captains from the competing nations – and this weekend’s total attendance is expected to climb past last year’s high of 100,094.

The Marriott London Sevens is also the final major event in the calendar before the sport is welcomed into the Olympic family after the London 2012 Games, and for the first time both men’s and women’s events will be staged at Twickenham.

New Zealand are close to completing the defence of their overall HSBC Sevens World Series title, with Fiji in second place. Dubai champions England are in third and aiming to finish on a high after their impressive performances at Glasgow last weekend.

The IRB Women’s Challenge Cup sees England aiming to add more silverware to their collection after lifting the Hong Kong title with hot competition expected from the likes of World Cup winners Australia and Dubai title-holders Canada.

The tournament’s ‘70s Disco theme will attract thousands in fancy dress and create a carnival atmosphere with house band Love Train playing live inside the stadium and a Funky Town fan village in the West Car Park as well as a host of other entertainment for supporters of all ages.

Rob Andrew, RFU Professional Rugby Director, said: “The Marriott London Sevens continues to grow and get bigger and better each year both on and off the pitch, which is a testimony to the strength of the event and the appeal of the sport.

“This weekend, for the first time, Twickenham Stadium is the finale of what may be the most competitive HSBC Sevens World Series of them all.

“The athleticism and skill levels of the players are astonishing now and that goes for the women’s game as well as the men’s, with two competitions running alongside each other throughout the weekend.”

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England Women’s squad announced for Amsterdam Sevens

Posted on May 10, 2012 in England Sevens, England Women

The England Women’s squad to compete in the Amsterdam Sevens on May 19 & 20 has been announced.

Saracens’ Sonia Green will captain the side who head to Holland straight after this weekend’s IRB Women’s Challenge Cup at the Marriott London Sevens. Green takes over the captaincy armband from Wasps’ Michaela Staniford who is being rested for this tournament.

Also new to the England squad are Wasps’ Natasha Brennan and Bristol’s Katie Mason. The duo join a line-up mixed with experience and youth. The likes of Jenny Brightmore and Emily Scott will be looking to build on their experiences with England in Dubai while Heather Fisher, Alice Richardson and Rachael Burford are amongst the more senior players.

12 international teams will compete for the coveted Amsterdam Sevens crown and England will face the USA, South Africa and Wales in Pool A. Pool B pits Canada, Spain, France and newcomers Ireland against each other, with the final pool seeing the hosts take on Australia, Germany and Scotland.

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