Worcester well represented in England Women's Elite squad

England head coach Gary Street has named a squad of 44 players who will contest a three-test series against New Zealand in November and then the RBS 6 Nations in February and March.

Worcester prop Laura Keates, who has been involved in the RFUW set-up since she was an under 16s player, has been elevated to the full squad after captaining the under 20s to Nations Cup glory last season, while Sixways wing Amber Penrith has come out of retirement.

The other Worcester players in the squad are flanker Heather Fisher, scrum-half Sarah Guest, number eight Karen Jones, winger Katherine Merchant, hooker Sam Reeve, flanker Gemma Sharples and full-back Danielle Waterman.

Street said: “I've brought in four new players this season and I now feel we have a solid and experienced squad capable of realising our ambitions.

“Laura has had two very good years with the under 20s and will certainly add more strength to our forwards this year.

"Amber returns to the squad after some time off. She has proven what a talent she is in the past and I am sure she'll play a big part this season."

With England hosting the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in August and September next year in London, this is a crucial year for the reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup champions.

"We have a very busy international programme this season and that will give everyone in this squad the chance to put their hands up for a place in next year's world cup squad," said Street.

England women’s fixtures: November 14, England v New Zealand (Esher RFC, 4pm); November 17, England ‘A’ v New Zealand (Esher RFC, 7pm); November 21, Investec Challenge Double Header, England v New Zealand (Twickenham, 4.45pm).