Warriors Women name side for Allianz Premier 15s opener

Warriors Women have named their side for tomorrow’s Allianz Premier 15s opener against Saracens Women at Allianz Park (kick-off 2pm).

Summer signings Alex Matthews and Amelia Buckland-Hurry get the nod in the starting XV, while Heather Fisher, Caity Mattinson and Robyn Wilkins are among the replacements.

An exciting mix of both youth and experience will take to the field in the capital, with former England Under-20 international Carys Cox starting at full-back alongside wings Zoe Heeley and Vicky Laflin.

Jade Shekells and Vicky Foxwell are named at inside and outside centre respectfully, while scrum-half Brooke Bradley and fly-half Sarah Nicholas pull the strings at the heart of Warriors’ backline.

Carmen Tremelling and World Cup-winning tight-head Laura Keates pack down in the front-row either side of Wales international hooker Carys Phillips, with Club Captain Lyndsay O’Donnell and Buckland-Hurry in the engine room.

Experienced campaigner Mathews occupies the blinside flanker berth, with Wales internationals Alex Callender and Sioned Harries rounding off the back-row.

“We’re under no illusion at the challenge that awaits us and we know the strength that they possess,” said Warriors Women Director of Rugby Jo Yapp.

“They have recruited well over the summer and we know that they are going to be a really tough opposition, but this weekend it is about us and how we front up and adapt to the new law variations.

“We strengthened our squad over the summer and they have added real depth – the players that have remained with us have really stepped up their game.”

Scrum-half Mattinson, one of many new signings to arrive at Sixways during the summer, is among the replacements as she competes with Bradley for a place in the starting line-up.

She said: “Saracens is a tough start for anybody, especially after the break but we’re really excited and it’s a big opportunity to show how hard we’ve worked over the last few weeks and months.

“It’s great that Allianz have come on board as main sponsor for the women’s game and it’s amazing to have their support as the women’s game continues to grow.”

Warriors Women | 15 Carys Cox, 14 Zoe Heeley, 13 Vicky Foxwell, 12 Jade Shekells, 11 Vicky Laflin, 10 Sarah Nicholas, 9 Brooke Bradley, 1 Carmen Tremelling, 2 Carys Phillips, 3 Laura Keates, 4 Amelia Buckland Hurry, 5 Lyndsay O’Donnell (c), 6 Alex Matthews, 7 Alex Callender, 8 Sioned Harries

Replacements | 16 El Febrey, 17 Taz Bricknell, 18 Flo Long, 19 Elizabeth Shermer, 20 Cara Brincat, 21 Caity Mattinson, 22 Robyn Wilkins, 23 Heather Fisher

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