Warriors Women have named their side for tomorrow’s Round 5 Allianz Premier 15s fixture against Loughborough Lightning at Sixways (kick-off 2pm).
With back-row Alex Matthews and tight-head prop Laura Keates both involved with England this weekend, a new-look pack will take to the field including a debut for on loan prop Roz Jermine.
Jermine has been drafted in as emergency front-row cover from Lichfield RFC and slots in at loose-head prop, with Flo Long switching to tight-head in the absence of Keates.
“We brought Roz in on loan as we’re a little thin on the ground in that department with Laura Keates missing and we also have a player in isolation,” said Jo Yapp, Warriors Women’s Director of Rugby.
“Roz has a lot of experience and we’re really fortunate that we can call on her to come in.”
Elsewhere, England Under-20 international Cara Brincat makes her first start of the campaign, partnering Elizabeth Shermer in the engine room, while Jo Brown renews acquaintances with her former club.
Back-row Brown made the switch from Loughborough during the summer, having been capped seven times by the Red Roses and will undoubtedly be keen to make an impression in the blue and gold of Worcester.
In the backline there are starts for fly-half Sarah Nicholas as well as wings Vicky Laflin and Zoe Heeley as England flyer Lydia Thompson continues her recovery from injury after leaving the field during the first half of last week’s trip to Exeter Chiefs.
“Loughborough are a hugely competitive team and they have got better and better with each game they have played,” added Yapp.
“We were disappointed overall with our performance last week, but the girls have bounced back really well in training and they have shown really good energy, so we’re excited to back out there on Saturday.”
Warriors Women | 15 Abi Kershaw, 14 Zoe Heeley, 13 Vicky Foxwell, 12 Robyn Wilkins, 11 Vicky Laflin, 10 Sarah Nicholas, 9 Caity Mattinson, 1 Roz Jermine, 2 Carys Phillips (c), 3 Flo Long, 4 Cara Brincat, 5 Elizabeth Shermer, 6 Jo Brown, 7 Alex Callender, 8 Sioned Harries
Replacements | 16 El Febrey, 17 Abby Smitheman, 18 Philippa Rawbone, 19 Charlotte Wright Haley, 20 Taz Bricknell, 21 Jade Shekells, 22 Paige Farries