FOUR Worcester players have been included in the 17-strong women’s training squad which will spearhead England’s Rugby World Cup Sevens ambitions in 2013.
Flanker Heather Fisher, wing Katherine Merchant, centre Joanne Watmore and full-back Danielle Waterman are part of the first ever dedicated training squad for the tournament, which will take place in Moscow from June 28-30.
Starting in January, the players will meet every week for training and will also receive enhanced strength and conditioning, nutritional, lifestyle and sports psychologist support.
The squad boasts a plethora of talent, with eight survivors from the RWC Sevens in 2009, where England won the Plate. These include Claire Allan, Margaret Alphonsi, Rachel Burford, Fisher, Merchant, Alice Richardson, Michaela Staniford and Waterman.
Players such as Emily Scarratt, Watmore, Natasha Hunt and Kay Wilson, who all impressed on the IRB Challenge Cup circuit last season, have also been selected.
England: Allan (Richmond), Alphonsi (Saracens), Burford (Thurrock), Fisher (Worcester), Hunt (Lichfield), Laybourn (Darlington), Matthews (Richmond), Matthews (Richmond), Mclean (Darlington), Merchant (Worcester), Packer (Bristol), Richardson (Richmond), Scarratt (Lichfield), Staniford (Wasps), Waterman (Worcester), Watmore (Worcester), Wilson (Bristol).
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