SHANNON BAKER will win her first England cap in Saturday’s Churchill Cup opener against Canada at Calgary Rugby Park (12.30pm).

The 24-year-old back row forward from Clifton has progressed through the A to the senior team this season.

And coach Geoff Richards is delighted to name her in an experienced side to kick off their title defence.

"Shannon only started playing representative rugby last year and then was selected after our Super 4 trials," said Richards. "She played really well in the A team and the European championship and she deserves her first Test."

Rachel Vickers and Karen Jones will also win their first caps if they come off the bench.

Richards has been able to pick from a near full-strength side although Claire Frost, who captained the side in last year’s final, is unavailable because of an ankle injury.