8th March 2005

England A Team Head Coach, Danny Wilson, has named his squad for the second match against the Nomads to be played at Imber Court, Surrey this Saturday 12th March.

Following the close encounter when the two sides last met, Wilson has made nine changes, two of which are positional, as he continues to blend experience with youth.

Commenting on the squad, Wilson said:

“We are fortunate to be able to call on such a large and talented group of players. We welcome back Nicky Crawford following injury and Kat Merchant after her first cap for the senior side last week. The other changes are in the back row where the call up of Lois Moulding means we have shuffled things a round a bit, and the front row where Sophie Hemming will start.”

The Nomads are also expected to make a few changes and Wilson believes the game will be just as tough as the first:

“We expect the Nomads to select another very strong and experienced squad. I thought we defended very well against them in the first match, but we struggled a little in attack, and I will be looking for more from the girls this time around. If we can control possession a little better when we are going forward then I am sure we can put them under a lot of pressure and come away with more points.”

The England squad in full is as follows:

1. Sophie Hemming  (Clifton)
2. Clare Steer  (Henley)
3. Hannah Dawson  (Thirsk)
4. Jenny Farmer  (Lichfield)
5. Tamara Taylor  (Thirsk)
6. Kerry Barber  (Worcester)
7. Jane Leonard  (Thirsk)
8. Sarah Beale  (Thirsk)
9. Danielle Waterman (Henley)
10. Alice Richardson (Worcester)
11. Kat Merchant  (Worcester)
12. Kim Oliver  (Clifton)
13. Ellen Small  (Waterloo)
14. Nicky Crawford  (Worcester)
15. Sarah Marsh  (Wasps)

16. Katy White  (Thirsk)
17. Gemma Paul  (Lichfield)
18. Natalie Binstead (Wasps) 
19. Sarah Hunter  (Lichfield)
20. Helen Harding  (Wasps)
21. Katy McLean  (Thirsk)
22. Emily Cooke  (Clifton)

The game will be played at The Metropolitan Police’s Imber Court ground, located in Surrey, south of Hampden Court Palace. Kick off is 12midday and precedes the Women’s Six Nations match between England and Spain that kicks off at 2.00pm. For further details on England’s international matches, please visit www.rfu.com and select the women’s rugby tab, or contact the RFUW main office on 020 8831 7996.

Ends