England have named three uncapped players in their Women’s Six Nations squad, with Exeter’s Maddy Fornaty and Lizzie Hanlon joining Ealing Trailfinders’ Vicky Loughlin as new faces.
John Mitchell’s 35-strong group also includes Zoe Harrison, Emily Scarratt and Abbey Ward, all of whom will play in England’s competition for the first time since losing to New Zealand in the 2022 Rugby World Cup final. Add your name to the team.
Scarratt, 34, returned to his club Loughborough Lightning last month after a 13-month absence following neck surgery.
Saracens flanker Murray Packer will continue to lead the team and is expected to earn his 100th cap when England open the season with a trip to Italy on March 24. The Red Roses will aim to win a sixth consecutive Six Nations and fifth consecutive Grand Slam in 2023 following their success under manager Simon Middleton.
However, Sarah Byrne, Claudia McDonald and Nancy McGillivray are all absent due to injury.
Mitchell, who is taking the reins for the first time, said: “We have named a team that will be in contention for a spot in Round 23 at every position.” The desire is there, but we have to earn the right to win test matches. Our focus is on putting more pressure on the team to improve our performance and create different scoring opportunities.
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“The whole group is very excited and we are looking forward to the challenge of the next seven weeks.”
