March 21st, 2007

Worcester prop Laura Keates will lead England Women Under 19s when they take on the USA for the first time ever on Sunday at RAF Halton near Aylesbury, kick-off 2pm.

England Under 19s will also play Canada Under 19s at the Buckinghamshire ground on April 4th and on Easter Sunday (April 8th) in back to back internationals.

The Under 19s squad includes 10 players who have represented England at this level last season. In 2006 they played two tests against Canada in Canada winning 27-5, before conceding a 20-13 defeat.

Gary Street, England Under 19s Programme Manager, said: “Sunday’s game and the two matches against Canada are not necessarily about winning, but about the players’ general performance and developing their future potential. At this age group that is more important than results.

“These matches are going to be three very exciting fixtures, starting with the USA on Sunday and it’s exactly the sort of fixtures our players need. We are certainly looking forward to playing an expansive game.”

England Under 19s are coached by Giselle Mather (head coach) and Dave Manders (assistant coach).

England Under 19s:

1 Laura Keates   Worcester RFC (Captain)
2 Hannah Clark  Old Albanian Saints
3 Vicky Cornborough Petersfield RFC
4 Lucinda Howland  Folkestone RFC
5 Robyn Steward  Coalville Ladies RFC
6 Isabelle Noel Smith Cullumpton Ladies RFC
7 Kate Hall    Blaydon RFC (VC)
8 Juliet Short   Tyndale Panthers
9 Rachel Fraser  Morpeth RFC
10 Sarah McKenna  Old Albanian Saints
11 Georgina Crabb   Camberley RFC
12 Emma Hill   Coalville Ladies RFC
13 Fran Matthews   Blaydon RFC
14 Liz Tilley    Bath RFC
15 Emily Scarratt  Leicester Forest RFC
Replacements:
16 Jenny Mills  Worcester RFC
17 Dawn Avery  Cullumpton Ladies
18 Rowena Burnfield  Richmond RFC
19 Louise Leonard  Blaydon RFC
20 Sarah Guest  Worcester RFC
21 Katie Pittaway  Worcester RFC
22 Justina De Brett   Crawley RFC

Ends…