England U20 squad announced
Dec
The England Women's Under 20s squad to compete in three internationals this season against Wales and France has today (Tuesday) been announced.
There are 12 newcomers to the squad this season, while there are also 13 players in the squad who were involved in the winning under 20s Nations Cup campaign last season.
This term the England Under 20s programme will be headed up by Programme Manager Tom Stokes and England Assistant Coach Graham Smith, who comes in as technical advisor. Specialist coaches will also be brought in to concentrate on specific skills areas, including former England international and Newbury RFC head coach Ben Sturnham, Bedford Blues coach Martin Hynes and Newcastle Falcons Academy Manager Mark Laycock
England Under 20s will take on France for the first time ever in a curtain raiser game for the men's England versus France Under 20s match at Saint Nazaire, near Nantes in March, and they will also play Wales twice, in April and May.
Tom Stokes, the RFUW's Player Development Manager, said: "The international match against France will be a fantastic opportunity for the players and an excellent challenge. It will give them a taste of international rugby in a high pressured environment which will be an important part of their development on and off the field.
"The focus for the England Under 20s squad is about developing and preparing players technically, physically and mentally for senior international rugby. Charlotte Male and Marlie Packer have already been called up to the England A squad this season, and I am confident that there are several more players in this group with the talent and ambition to progress to full international honours."
England U20s Squad
Sasha Acheson Shelford
Victoria Cornborough Richmond
*Fiona Davidson Richmond
Hannah Field Wasps
Victoria Fleetwood Lichfield
Jessie Flowers Oxford University
Rose Fong Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
*Milly Fuggles OA Saints
*Hannah Gallagher Welwyn
Nicola Hoole Bristol
*Rebecca Hughes Bristol
*Rose Jay Burfield
Garnet Mackinder University of Birmingham
*Stacey Maguire Lichfield
Charlotte Male Bristol
Amy Millar Worcester
Harriet Mills Lichfield
Marlie Packer Bristol
*Amber Reed Bristol
*Emily Scott Welwyn
Juliet Short Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
*Geraldine Thomas OA Saints
*Sophie Watkiss Worcester
*Kay Wilson Richmond
*Amy Wilson-Hardy Hove
* Indicated new Under 20s squad member
England U20s playing schedule
France U20s v England U20s, March 21st, KO 1pm, Sainte Nazaire
England U20s v Wales U20s, April 7th, venue and KO TBC
Wales U20s v England U20s, May (weekend of 8th & 9th May), venue and KO TBC
