3rd February 2005

England Head Coach Geoff Richards has been forced to make a late change ahead of the first Six Nations match against Wales tomorrow (Friday) evening at Cardiff Arms Park.

Maggie Alphonsi has been withdrawn from the squad due to a knee injury that kept her out of training last weekend. Saracens’ Helen Clayton will step up from the bench and start at number 7. Worcester’s Lois Moulding is promoted from the Academy and will start on the bench as back row cover.

Richards, commenting on the injury said:

“It is extremely disappointing for Maggie who has fought hard to get into the squad in recent months. However, in Helen (Clayton) we have a very skilled and experienced rugby player and I have no doubt that she will do a very good job when it comes to Wales on Friday. It will also be a good opportunity for Lois Moulding who impressed in our win against Wales before Christmas.”

The revised 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. HELEN CLAYTON  (SARACENS)
8. CATHERINE SPENCER  (FOLKESTONE)
9. JO YAPP (C)   (WORCESTER)
10. KAREN ANDREW  (SARACENS)
11. KIM SHAYLOR  (WORCESTER)
12. PAULA GEORGE  (WASPS)
13. MICHAELA STANIFORD (THIRSK)
14. CHARLOTTE BARRAS (LICHFIELD)
15. SUE DAY (VC)  (WASPS)

16. ANN O’FLYNN   (ARMY)
17. VANESSA HUXFORD  (WASPS)
18. KAREN JONES   (WASPS)
19. LOIS MOULDING  (WORCESTER)
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.

Ends