Three stars of the joint Northampton Saints / Loughborough Lightning side have been named in the matchday squad as Red Roses begin their Autumn campaign against New Zealand this weekend.
Sarah Hunter will lead England out at Sandy Park on Sunday (31 October, kick-off: 2.30pm, live on BBC Two), with head coach Simon Middleton also naming Hunter’s Loughborough teammate Lark Davies in the starting line-up, while Helena Rowland is poised to enter the game from amongst the replacements.
Head coach Middleton said: “We’re really looking forward to the autumn internationals and opening against New Zealand at Sandy Park.
“The number one ranked side in the world coming up against the reigning Rugby World Cup champions is an exciting prospect.
“We’re really starting to see some of our youngsters mature into fine players and this autumn series is a great opportunity for them to stake a claim for the World Cup.”
The Red Roses will face New Zealand again in the second match of their Autumn Series, with England taking to cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens for the first time sine 2001 on Sunday 7 November (kick-off: 2.45pm). Tickets for the clash are on sale now from £15 (adults) / £5 (juniors) HERE.
England Women team to play New Zealand
Sunday 31 October, 2021
Sandy Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Live on BBC Two
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 15 caps)
14 Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors, 47 caps)
13 Holly Aitchison (Saracens, uncapped)
12 Amber Reed (VC; Bristol Bears Women, 58 caps)
11 Abby Dow (Wasps, 18 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 30 caps)
9 Claudia MacDonald (Wasps, 15 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 22 caps)
2 Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)
3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)
4 Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 47 caps)
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 47 caps)
6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 24 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 76 caps)
8 Sarah Hunter (C; Loughborough Lightning, 126 caps)
Replacements:
16 Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 57 caps)
17 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 60 caps)
18 Maud Muir (Wasps, uncapped)
19 Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps, 62 caps)
20 Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 41 caps)
21 Leanne Infante (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
22 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 6 caps)
23 Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 8 caps)
