Red Roses squad announced for 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations
Simon Middleton has named a 42-player Red Roses training squad for the 2023 TikTok Women's Six Nations.
The squad, made up of 23 forwards and 19 backs, sees returns for Gloucester-Hartpury scrum half Natasha Hunt and club team-mate Sarah Beckett, as well as Bristol Bears captain Amber Reed and Harlequins front row Bryony Cleall.
Nine uncapped players, including Saracens duo May Campbell and Kelsey Clifford are selected, alongside Sale Sharks’ Elizabeth Duffy and Exeter Chiefs’ Nancy McGillivray who have both featured for England U20s.
High-flying Gloucester-Hartpury’s uncapped Ellie Rugman also returns having been involved in previous training camps while Exeter Chiefs forward Poppy Leitch is selected having last represented England in the 2019 Six Nations.
Lock Abbie Ward (pregnancy) and regular vice-captain Emily Scarratt (injury) will be with the group for set days throughout the tournament to support with the coaching delivery. Sarah Hunter and Marlie Packer will co-captain the squad for the tournament.
The group will meet at St. George’s Park on Monday (6 March) for the first of two preparation camps at the East Midlands venue.
Red Roses' Six Nations Schedule
"We’re really looking forward to the TikTok Six Nations tournament," said Middleton. "There are a number of new faces in this squad and while we are missing experienced players, this is a great opportunity for these younger players and we’re looking forward to working with them.
"There is always a regeneration period after any World Cup and this one is no different. Those selected have performed very well in the Allianz Premier 15s and deserve their opportunity.
"Sarah Hunter and Marlie Packer will co-captain the squad. Sarah has made it clear she will not be involved in the 2025 World Cup as a player, so it’s essential we look to continue to grow our leadership quality and depth. Marlie is already an integral part of our leadership group, so this is a natural progression for her to co-captain the side and continue to develop her leadership skills.
"The Six Nations is one of the most iconic tournaments in world rugby that we love participating in. We also recognise that it’s an important start point in terms of preparation for the 2025 World Cup. Spectators will see competitive games across the board and we can’t wait to get started."
Red Roses Six Nations squad
Forwards
Zoe Aldcroft
Sarah Beckett
Sarah Bern
May Campbell (Saracens, uncapped)
Bryony Cleall
Poppy Cleall
Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, uncapped)
Amy Cokayne
Liz Crake (Wasps, uncapped)
Lark Davies
Rosie Galligan
Detysha Harper
Sarah Hunter (CC)
Sadia Kabeya
Poppy Leitch (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 56 caps)
Maud Muir
Cath O'Donnell
Marlie Packer (CC)
Connie Powell
Emily Robinson (Harlequins, uncapped)
Hannah Sims (Harlequins, uncapped)
Morwenna Talling
Backs
Holly Aitchison
Jessica Breach
Abby Dow
Elizabeth Duffy (Sale Sharks, uncapped)
Tatyana Heard
Natasha Hunt
Leanne Infante
Ellie Kildunne
Claudia MacDonald
Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
Sarah McKenna
Lucy Packer
Amber Reed
Helena Rowland
Ellie Rugman (Gloucester-Hartpury, uncapped)
Emma Sing
Lydia Thompson
Lagi Tuima
Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, uncapped)
Players unavailable for selection: Hannah Botterman (knee), Vickii Cornborough (personal reasons), Vicky Fleetwood (ankle), Laura Keates (anterior cruciate ligament), Zoe Harrison (anterior cruciate ligament), Emily Scarratt (neck and ankle), Abbie Ward (pregnancy).
