A TRIO of Worcester players have been named in the England team for tomorrow's Women’s Rugby World Cup opener against Ireland at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford (6.30pm).

Full-back Danielle Waterman, wing Kat Merchant and blindside flanker Heather Fisher have all been included in head coach Gary Street’s first XV.

Former Sixways stars — Bristol number eight Catherine Spencer, who will captain the team, and Richmond’s Alice Richardson — are also in the squad.

Street said: “The prospect of playing our first game is really exciting.

“We know our preparations have been excellent and now we are just looking forward to kicking-off our World Cup campaign.”

England, who are ranked second, will also play Kazakhstan and USA in their pool games. The semi-finals take place on September 1, while the final is on September 5.

England: Danielle Waterman; Kat Merchant (both Worcester), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Rachael Burford, Fiona Pocock (both Richmond); Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Amy Turner (Richmond); Rochelle Clark (Team Northumbria), Amy Garnett (Saracens), Sophie Hemming (Bristol), Becky Essex (Richmond), Jo McGilchrist (Wasps), Heather Fisher (Worcester), Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), Catherine Spencer (Bristol).

Replacements: Emma Crocker (Richmond), Claire Purdy (Wasps), Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), La Toya Mason (Wasps), Alice Richardson (Richmond), Charlotte Barras (Saracens).