WORCESTER’S Lydia Thompson has been named in the England women’s sevens squad for the first leg of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix in Kazan, Russia, this weekend.
Thompson is joined by former Worcester player Heather Fisher, now at Thurrock, in the 12-strong England squad, who will face Germany, Wales and the Netherlands in the pool games.
Thompson is poised to make her first international start in the sevens format.
England head coach Simon Middleton said: “This tournament is an opportunity for us to look at some exciting players outside of our Sevens programme as well as provide some more game time to players who are in the squad.
“It is also fantastic to welcome Heather back into the squad as she has missed a lot of rugby through injuries this season.
“We play Germany in the opening game and we are expecting them to be a very organised side, while Wales will certainly want to give England a typically tough game.
“The Netherlands are an experienced Sevens outfit who’ll be intent on securing that all-important Olympic spot.”
The second round of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix takes place in Brive on June 20 and 21.
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