June 5th, 2008

The England Women’s 7s squad to compete in the European 7s later this month, a qualifying tournament for the 2009 IRB Rugby World Cup 7s, has been announced.

England Head Coach Simon Amor has named an experienced squad; all of whom have competed in England’s victories in the Amsterdam 7s, the London Emirates Airline 7s and the Home Nations 7s. Wasps’ Sue Day will lead the side once again.

The European 7s, which will be held in Limoges, France, is a crucial tournament as England must finish in the top six to qualify for the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup 7s. The World Cup takes place in Dubai in March 2009 and will run alongside the men’s Rugby World Cup.

16 international rugby sides will compete in the European 7s and England will play Sweden, Germany and Andorra in the pool stages. The tournament kicks-off on Saturday June 14th with the knock-out stages of the competition concluding on Sunday 15th.

Former England men’s 7s captain Amor said: “This is obviously a very important tournament for us. Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup but we also want to win it. That is why I have named an experienced squad.

“All these players have come through the tournaments so far very well, they have come along way, but we have still got a lot of work to do to be where we want to be. This will be a very exciting tournament and we are very much looking forward to it.”

England 7s squad

Claire Allan  Saracens
Charlotte Barras Saracens
Rachael Burford Saracens
Susan Day ( C )  Wasps
Heather Fisher Wasps
Emma Layland Richmond
Katherine Merchant Worcester
Alice Richardson Richmond
Amy Turner  Richmond
Michaela Staniford Wasps
Danielle Waterman Clifton
Joanne Yapp  Worcester
 
Head Coach Simon Amor, Coach Mike Friday.

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