Jo Yapp returns to lead England this Saturday in their Six Nations match against Spain at Imber Court.

Yapp returns to the team after injury kept her out of the win against Ireland in Dublin last weekend. She is excited about playing again for England:

“Although I only missed one week, it’s great to be back. I played club rugby yesterday and am itching to get back in the England shirt, obviously being captain makes it even more exciting for me. We have had a mixed Six Nations so far, but the girls played well against Ireland last week and we are hoping to build on this and put in another good display against Spain.”

England Head Coach Geoff Richards has made two other changes to his starting line-up, both in the front row, where such strength in depth means he can shuffle his resources a little. Vanessa Huxford, who started at loose head prop against Ireland, moves to tight head, with Rochelle Clark stepping back in to fill the loose head role. Vanessa Gray takes her turn on the bench. Commenting on the changes, Richards said:

“Other than the return of Jo Yapp at scrum half, we have pretty much the same squad to choose from. It’s great to have such a strong squad, this enables us to move players around a little which in turn helps give players a rest, but also let’s us try different combinations. ”

The only other changes are to the bench where the return of Yapp means Kat Merchant is the unlucky one to miss out. Lois Moulding also returns as cover for the back row.

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

1. ROCHELLE CLARKE (HENLEY)
2. ANN O’FLYNN (LICHFIELD)
3. VANESSA HUXFORD (WASPS)
4. JENNY SUTTON (RICHMOND)
5. RACHEL VICKERS (RICHMOND)
6. KAREN JONES (WASPS)
7. MARGARET ALPHONSI (SARACENS)
8. CATHERINE SPENCER (FOLKESTONE)
9. JO YAPP – CAPTAIN (WORCESTER)
10. KAREN ANDREW (SARACENS)
11. KIM SHAYLOR (WORCESTER)
12. PAULA GEORGE (WASPS)
13. MICHAELA STANIFORD (THIRSK)
14. CHARLOTTE BARRAS (LICHFIELD)
15. SUE DAY (VICE CAPTAIN) (WASPS)

16. CLAIRE PURDY (WASPS)
17. VANESSA GRAY (WASPS)
18. LOIS MOULDING (WWWORCESTER)
19. HELEN CLAYTON (SARACENS)
20. AMY TURNER (WASPS)
21. SUSIE APPLEBY (CLIFTON)
22. VICKY MASSARELLA (SARACENS)

England play Spain at Imber Court, Surrey, on Saturday 12th March, kick off 2.00pm. Prior to this, England A will play the ‘Nomads’ – a premiership all star XV, kick off 12 midday. 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.

Ends