England Academy Coach Gary Street has named a strong squad for the first game of the season against Ireland in Dublin this Sunday 9th January.

The squad is a blend of youth and experience with several of last year’s players being selected alongside some of the former Under 19s who are making the step up to the Academy in 2005. One of those is young fly half Alice Richardson who at just seventeen years of age will be making her first appearance for the Academy.

Richardson, who plays her club rugby at Worcester, has already made an impression with Street:

“We were very impressed with Alice during the Super 4s. She, along with the others who are making the step up, has a great opportunity to make a mark against a strong and experienced Irish side. After last year’s narrow 10-0 defeat we will be looking for strong performances from all the girls.”

The others who have made the step up from the Under 19s are Sarah Hunter, and Leah Carey of Lichfield, Joanne Watmore of Thirsk and Libby Fox of Clifton. Emma Dresser will captain the Academy team, which will line up as follows:

1. Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 2. Emma Layland (Richmond), 3. Mel McKenzie (Henley), 4. Emma Dresser (C) (Lichfield), 5. Natalie Binstead (Wasps), 6. Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7. Lois Moulding (Worcester), 8. Leah Carey (Lichfield),
9. Harriet Slynn (Waterloo), 10. Alice Richardson, 11. Amber Penrith (both Worcester), 12. Ellen Small (Waterloo), 13. Libby Fox (Clifton), 14. Natasha Fitt (Saracens), 15. Joanne Watmore (Thirsk)

Replacements
16. Clare Steer (Henley), 17. Jenny Allum (Leos) 18. Gemma Paul (Lichfield), 19. Becky Essex (Worcester), 20. Alice Lovett (Lichfield), 21. Claire Allan (Worcester), 22. Georgina Roberts (Clifton)

The first of England’s Academy matches in 2005 will be played at St Mary’s RUFC in Dublin on the 9th January 2005, kick-off 2.30pm. For details on other games please visit www.rfu.com and select the Women’s Rugby tab.

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