Worcester’s scrum half and captain Jo Yapp will captain England for the first time this weekend when she takes to the field against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday evening.

Yapp, 25, who is a school teacher and was captain of her club side Worcester in 2003/04 is excited about the prospect of leading her country through the Six Nations:

“Although my name had been linked to the captaincy, it still came as a big surprise when Geoff Richards called and told me. Leading your country is a massive honour, especially at a time when we have such a great squad. It is a really exciting time for England Women’s rugby, training has gone really well and I just hope we can put it into practice on Friday against Wales.”

Yapp, who was born in Shrewsbury, heralds from a true rugby family. She first picked up a rugby ball at the age of nine when introduced to the sport by her brother, Tony, who now plays his club rugby at Exeter. Jo plays alongside her sister, Lorna at Worcester, with the club coached by dad Roddy.

Commenting on her selection Geoff Richards, England Head Coach said:

“Jo’s a fantastic player and although only 25, with 51 caps she is now one of the more experienced members of the squad. During her time with both Worcester and England she has developed into an exceptional leader who commands the respect of both players and coaches alike. I have no doubt she will do a great job throughout this Six Nations.”

Paul George, who led England during the Autumn Internationals was thanked for her efforts by Richards:

“Paula has been a great captain for England both prior to and during the Autumn Internationals. She is still a key player in the England set-up and a valuable member of an exciting back line. Since moving to inside centre she has found a new lease of life that has enabled her to rediscover the form that catapulted her to the top of international women’s rugby in 2002. We would like to thank Paula for all her work as England captain, but it is time to move on as we plan for the future and the 2006 World Cup.”

The squad in full for the match against Wales is as follows:

1. ROCHELLE CLARKE (HENLEY)
2. SELENA RUDGE (WASPS)
3. VANESSA GRAY (WASPS)
4. JENNY SUTTON (RICHMOND)
5. RACHEL VICKERS (RICHMOND)
6. SHANNON BAKER (CLIFTON)
7. MARGARET ALPHONSIE (SARACENS)
8. CATHERINE SPENCER (FOLKESTONE)
9. JO YAPP (WORCESTER)
10. KAREN ANDREW (SARACENS)
11. KIM SHAYLOR (WORCESTER)
12. PAULA GEORGE (WASPS)
13. MICHAELA STANIFORD (THIRSK)
14. CHARLOTTE BARRAS (LICHFIELD)
15. SUE DAY (WASPS)

16. ANN O’FLYNN (ARMY)
17. VANESSA HUXFORD (WASPS)
18. KAREN JONES (WASPS)
19. HELEN CLAYTON (SARACENS)
20. AMY TURNER (WASPS)
21. SUSIE APPLEBY (CLIFTON)
22. EMILY COOKE (CLIFTON)

England play Wales at Cardiff Arms Park, on Friday 4th February, kick off 7.15pm. For tickets please call the Wales Rugby Football Union for Women on 029 2082 2442. For details on England’s home games against Spain and France at Imber Court, and Scotland at Twickenham, please visit www.rfu.com and select the women’s rugby tab, or contact the RFUW main office on 020 8831 7996.

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