ENGLAND have called up Richmond winger Natasha Brennan to their Women’s Rugby World Cup squad after Worcester’s Lydia Thompson withdrew with a groin injury.
Thompson, who scored two tries in her World Cup debut against Samoa, pulled up in the warm-up ahead of the second match against Spain.
England head coach Gary Street said: “This is really unfortunate news for Lydia.
“She has worked extremely hard to get into this squad and has come into form at just the right time.
“It is extremely disappointing for her and us but at the same time it is fantastic to be able to call up a player of Natasha’s calibre.”
England made it two wins in Pool ‘A’ in France by beating Spain 45-5. Kay Wilson, Danielle Waterman, Worcester’s Laura Keates, Claire Allan and Marlie Packer (2) scored tries. Emily Scarratt kicked 15 points.
They had kicked off with a 65-3 win over Samoa. There were two tries for Worcester’s Kat Merchant, Thompson, Natasha Hunt and Wilson and one for La Toya Mason and Scarratt.
England’s next game is against Canada on Saturday.
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