May 22nd, 2006

England Women are bidding for a hat-trick of FIRA European 7s titles this weekend with the world’s biggest women’s international rugby tournament kicking off on Friday in Limoges, South West France.

Wasps and England’s Amy Turner will lead the England Development side in a tournament which will see 26 international teams competing for the first time ever.

England take on Germany, Romania and Wales on the opening day of action. On Saturday, depending on England’s level of success, the knock-out stages for the Bowl, Plate and Cup competitions get underway.

RFUW Academy coach Gary Street said: “We are going to Limgoes to defend our title in style and win a third consecutive title. Nothing else will do.

“With this being the biggest tournament to date and especially with the likes of Wales and Ireland fielding their first team players, it’s going to be our toughest year yet. However, we are taking a talented mix of players from the senior, under 19s and student England teams so I am confident that we can retain our title for a third time.”

England 7s squad:

Claire Allan     Worcester
Sarah Beale     Leos
Rachael Burford     Henley
Tina Lee      Richmond
Lois Moulding     Worcester
Alice Richardson     Worcester
Georgina Roberts    Avon
Ellen Small     Waterloo
Amy Turner     Wasps
Jo Watmore     Thirsk

England playing schedule Friday:

England v Germany 10.48 (BST)
England v Romania  14:16
England v Wales       16: 58

Ends…