Worcester prop Rochelle Clark will become England Women’s joint most-capped player of all time on Saturday when she runs out against defending Six Nations champions France at Twickenham Stadium (kick-off 7.20pm).
The 33 year-old, who made her Test debut against Canada in 2003, will join former hooker Amy Garnett in the history books as she earns her 100th cap for her country as England look to finish their Six Nations campaign on a high.
Clark, who starred for England during their World Cup victory last year, has become a club stalwart for Worcester.
She originally came through the youth ranks at Beaconsfield Rugby Club, and became the club’s first ever international player.
Clark will join fellow Worcester players Ceri Large, Lydia Thompson and Bianca Blackburn in the starting line-up, while teammate Laura Keates is named on the bench.
England’s Acting Head Coach Nicola Ponsford said: “I would like to pay tribute to Rochelle. It is an absolutely fantastic milestone to achieve 100 caps, especially in such an attritional position as prop.
“Ever since she got her first cap back in 2003 she has always been 100 per cent committed to playing for England. She has an unrivalled passion and desire to set the standards for other players to follow.
“Her work ethic and work rate, particularly in defence, is massive, and she has contributed to many of England’s past successes, including our World Cup win in 2014.
“She is a world-class prop who has dominated a number of props over the years and I can see no reason why she won’t continue to do so.
“Rochelle’s ambition is to play at the next Rugby World Cup in 2017 and currently I can see no reason why she won’t be there.”
England currently sit third in the Six Nations behind France, who lead the title chase, and Ireland who are second.
The hosts still have an outside chance of winning the tournament at Twickenham though, and head into Saturday’s game on the back of a 42-13 win over Scotland, while France suffered a surprise 17-12 defeat to Italy last weekend.
Ponsford added: “France will certainly be hurting from their defeat to Italy at the weekend. They will have learned some important lessons but what Italy have shown is that if you take the game to the opposition any team in this Six Nations is beatable.”
England Women to face France
15. Fiona Pocock (Richmond)
14. Ruth Laybourn (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
13. Amber Reed (Bristol)
12. Ceri Large (Worcester)
11. Lydia Thompson (Worcester)
10. Katy Mclean (captain, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
9. Bianca Blackburn (Worcester)
1. Rochelle Clark (Worcester)
2. Victoria Fleetwood (Saracens)
3. Justine Lucas (Lichfield)
4. Tamara Taylor (vice-captain, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
5. Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
6. Hannah Gallagher (Saracens)
7. Hannah Field (Richmond)
8. Alexandra Matthews (Richmond)
Replacements
16. Amy Cokayne (Lichfield)
17. Victoria Cornborough (Richmond)
18. Laura Keates (Worcester)
19. Rowena Burnfield (Richmond)
20. Harriet Millar-Mills (Waterloo)
21. Fiona Davidson (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)
22. Abigail Brown (Bristol)
23. Katie Mason (Bristol)
England Women Six Nations results
Sunday, February 8: Wales 13 England 0, Swansea RFC
Sunday, February 15: England 39 Italy 7, Twickenham Stoop
Friday, February 27: Ireland 11 England 8, Ashbourne RFC
Friday, March 13: England 42 Scotland 13, Northern Echo Arena, Darlington