Merchant wings in for Six Nations opener (From Worcester News)

Merchant wings in for Six Nations opener

12:49pm Thursday 26th January 2012 in News By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

WORCESTER’S Kat Merchant starts for England Women in the Six Nations opener against Scotland on Sunday, February 5 at Lasswade RFC, Edinburgh (5pm).

Despite having more players than any other club - 10 - included in head coach Gary Street’s elite player squad (EPS), Merchant is Worcester’s sole starter, while clubmates Laura Keates and Ceri Large are among the replacements.

England, who will be defending their Grand Slam crown and looking for a record breaking seventh consecutive title, will be led by Darlington Mowden Park Sharks fly-half Katy McLean, while Lichfield number eight Sarah Hunter is vice-captain.

Street has named a young-looking England side with uncapped lock Emily Braund on the bench. Lichfield’s Harriet Millar-Mills, Saracens’ Hannah Gallagher, Bristol’s Isabelle Noel-Smith and Large will also be looking to build on their handful of international caps.