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Four new faces have been included in the latest England Womens Elite squad as the team prepares for a three match series against New Zealand in November.
England Head Coach Gary Street has named a squad of 44 players for the series against New Zealand and then the RBS 6 Nations in February and March.
With England hosting the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup in August and September next year in London, this is a crucial year for the reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup champions.
"We have a very busy international programme this season and that will give everyone in this squad the chance to put their hands up for a place in next year's world cup squad," said Street.
Street has named four newcomers in his elite squad, including England Under 20s graduate and Worcester prop Laura Keates. Keates has been involved in the RFUW set-up since she was an under 16s player, and last season captained the Under 20s to Nations Cup glory.
Richmond centre Abi Chamberlain also joins the squad after some good performances at club level. She also ran out for England 7 last season in the European Championships.
Team Northumbria's Jane Leonard returns to the elite squad after a year out because of work commitments with the Army while Worcester's Amber Penrith has also come out of retirement.
Street added: "I've brought in four new players this season and I now feel we have a solid and experienced squad capable of realising our ambitions. I'm delighted to welcome Laura [Keates], Abi [Chamberlain], Amber [Penrith] and Jane [Leonard] into the squad.
“Laura has had two very good years with the under 20s, and will certainly add more strength to our forwards this year, while Abi is a very versatile player who has huge potential and can play in the centre, at full back and on the wing.
"Both Amber and Jane return to the squad after some time off, and both have proven what talent they are in the past. I am sure they'll play a big part this season."