Warriors Women have named their side for this Sunday’s Round 7 Allianz Premier 15s fixture against Gloucester-Hartpury at Sixways, the first women’s game to host spectators since March (kick-off 2pm).
Former England Under-20 international Megan Varley starts at centre and is one of four changes to the side that travelled to Sale Sharks Women last weekend.
The potent ball carrier partners Jade Shekells in the midfield, while experienced Wales international Caryl Thomas makes her full debut at loose-head having joined the club from Bristol Bears Women.
Flo Long switches to tight-head in the absence of Laura Keates, who is ruled out with a long-term injury and Taz Bricknell gets the nod at blindside flanker.
It has been more than ten months since Warriors Women played in front of supporters at Sixways and this Sunday is a landmark moment for women’s rugby.
“We can’t wait, and the girls are so excited to play in front of their family and friends,” said Warriors Women Lead Coach Sian Moore.
“It’s always such a good game when we play against Gloucester-Hartpury and we’re really looking forward to it. It’s always great to play on such a great stage as Sixways, but having supporters in the ground makes it extra special and there should be some free-flowing rugby on show for them to enjoy.”
Staff, coaches and players helped with the big clean-up operation at Sixways ahead of this weekend’s men’s and women’s games.
Members of the Warriors Women staff were on hand to help, with Moore adding: “Everyone at the club has done a superb job of getting the stadium ready for the men’s game on Saturday and our game the following day.
“We were delighted to get involved with cleaning seats in the East Stand and it just shows the spirit of the club, with everyone coming together to work towards the same goal.”
Tickets for the game are on sale by booking online here. Please note that the deadline for purchasing tickets is tomorrow evening.
Warriors Women | 15 Abi Kershaw, 14 Paige Farries, 13 Jade Shekells, 12 Meg Varley, 11 Vicky Laflin, 10 Sarah Nicholas (CC), 9 Caity Mattinson, 1 Caryl Thomas, 2 Carmen Tremelling, 3 Flo Long, 4 Sioned Harries (CC), 5 Cara Brincat, 6 Taz Bricknell, 7 Alex Callender, 8 Alex Matthews
Replacements | 16 Hannah Stephens, 17 Roz Jermine, 18 Amelia Buckland Hurry, 19 Philippa Rawbone, 20 Jo Brown, 21 Brooke Bradley, 22 Hannah Bluck, 23 Zoe Heeley