Warriors Women’s Alex Matthews and Laura Keates have been named in the Red Roes’ matchday squad for this Saturday’s autumn international against France in Grenoble (kick-off 1.15pm GMT, live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer).
Matthews starts in the back-row, while Keates is named among the replacements and is set to earn her first cap since March 2017.
The duo have been in impressive form for Warriors Women in the opening four rounds of the Allianz Premier 15s, with Matthews returning to the England fold earlier this month as the Red Roses sealed back-to-back Women’s Six Nations Grand Slams with victory over Italy.
Now Keates has answered her country’s call having already enjoyed an illustrious career with the Red Roses, which includes winning the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Set to add to her 60 England caps, Keates has been part of the women’s set-up at Sixways since 2005 and has witnessed the club’s rapid rise both on and off the pitch.
“We are delighted for Laura and Alex, who both thoroughly deserve their inclusion in England’s matchday squad,” said Warriors Women Director of Rugby Jo Yapp.
“Both players have worked extremely hard both on and off the field – they always go out and give 100%. Laura has been at Worcester for 15 seasons and has been a key member of the squad.
“It is great to see her efforts being rewarded in getting a recall to the England team.”
Emily Scarratt, who became the highest ever Red Roses points scorer during this year’s Women’s Six Nations, captains the side in the absence of the injured Sarah Hunter.
Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “We’re really looking forward to heading out to France for what will be another competitive game.
“We see this fixture as a big opportunity for some of our younger players to play away in France, which is always one of our toughest games.
“Given our two 2021 Six Nations games against France and Italy are both at home, this is a big opportunity to compete against top quality opposition away from home ahead of next year’s World Cup.
“We are really pleased that our two autumn games against France will be shown on BBC Two and our aim is to put on a show for everyone supporting from home.”
15. Ellie Kildunne (Wasps FC Ladies, 9 caps)
14. Jess Breach (Harlequins Women, 14 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (C; Loughborough Lightning, 90 caps)
12. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women, 24 caps)
11. Abby Dow (Wasps FC Ladies, 13 caps)
10. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)
9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins Women, 37 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Women, 54 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins Women, 51 caps)
3. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Women, 18 caps)
4. Abbie Ward (VC; Harlequins Women, 43 caps)
5. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women, 41 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 37 caps)
7. Marlie Packer (Saracens Women, 72 caps)
8. Sarah Beckett (Harlequins Women, 18 caps)
Replacements
16. Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 26 caps)
17. Detysha Harper (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps)
18. Laura Keates (Worcester Warriors, 60 caps)
19. Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)
20. Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps FC Ladies, 56 caps)
21. Claudia MacDonald (Wasps FC Ladies, 10 caps)
22. Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury, 13 caps)
23. Megan Jones (Wasps FC Ladies, 9 caps)