Despite the formidable 81-0 win over Wales last week, England Head Coach Geoff Richards has made two changes to the England squad to face France this Sunday 13th February at Imber Court, Surrey.

After an impressive second half performance as a replacement against Wales, Clifton’s Susie Appleby will start at fly half, with Karen Andrew dropping to the bench. In the other change, Maggie Alphonsi comes back as a replacement, with Lois Moulding returning to the A squad.

Commenting on the changes Richards said:

“Susie really impressed when she came on against Wales and as a result we feel she deserves the chance to start against France. Obviously, Karen is disappointed not to be starting, but she realises that she is still a key part of the squad of 22 and I am sure she will still have a part to play

“Maggie is fit again after a knee injury ruled her out of the Wales encounter, so she comes back into the squad and will start on the bench. This means Lois will head back to the A's despite an impressive first cap last Friday. I am sure she will get another chance to play for England in the near future.

The squad in full for the match against France 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 (WORCESTER)
10. SUSIE APPLEBY (CLIFTON)
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. MARGARET ALPHONSIE (SARACENS)
20. AMY TURNER (WASPS)
21. KAREN ANDREW (SARACENS)
22. EMILY COOKE (CLIFTON)

England play France at Imber Court, Surrey, on Sunday 13th February, kick off 1.00pm. Tickets can be purchased on the gate and are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for U-16s. For further details on England’s Six Nations campaign, 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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