Lock Rachel Merrien will make her Valkyries debut against Gloucester-Hartpury in the Tyrrells Premier 15s at Hartpury College on Saturday October 20 (kick-off 4.30pm).
Merrien joined the Valkyries from Guernsey during the summer and gets her first team chance after some strong performances in the Development XV in recent weeks.
Lauren Leatherland starts having impressed when she came off the bench against Harlequins Ladies last week and Laura Thomas and Cara Brincat return in a reshuffled back row.
Lydia Thompson returns having recovered from a minor injury sustained on the recent England training camp at Loughborough.
Thompson, who has been included in England’s squad for the forthcoming three-match Quilter International series along with Valkyries captain Lark Davies, will start in the centre against Gloucester-Hartpury rather than her usual position on the wing.
Valkyries team:
15 Vicky Laflin
14 Jada Bailey
13 Lydia Thompson
12 Megan Varley
11 Thea Thompson
10 Vicky Foxwell
9 Sian Moore
1 Akina Gondwe
2 Lark Davies (C)
3 Lauren Leatherland
4 Tilly Churm
5 Rachel Merrien
6 Cara Brincat
7 Charlie Wilcock
8 Laura Thomas
Replacements
16 Carmen Tremelling
17 Milly O’Donnell
18 Daisy French
19 Roisin McBrien
20 Rebecca Scholes
21 Maddie Escott
22 Joanna Hart