Warriors Women have named their side for tomorrow’s trip to Loughborough Lightning in the Allianz Cup (kick-off 2pm).
A win for Jo Yapp’s side could secure a place in the semi-final, hot on the heels of the men’s achievement of reaching the last four of the Premiership Rugby Cup following their 13-7 victory at Bath on Wednesday.
With nine players away on international duty this weekend, it has given the coaching team the opportunity to blood a number of youngsters. Evie England starts on the wing and England U20 international Tori Sellors is among the replacements – the duo having come through the club’s Centre of Excellence system.
Portugal international Sara Moreira gets her chance to shine in the back-row alongside an in-form Charlotte Wright Haley. Canada wing Paige Farries makes a welcome return, with Carys Cox and Jade Shekells forming a mouth-watering centre partnership.
“Last week’s victory at home to Sale Sharks was one of our more pleasing performances to date,” Attack and Backs Coach Sian Moore.
“We showed a lot of resilience and we defended brilliantly – we were also ruthless with ball in hand.
“Loughborough have a great squad and they have a lot of depth, so we’re expecting a really competitive match.”
Warriors Women | 15 Cat McNaney, 14 Evie England, 13 Carys Cox, 12 Jade Shekells, 11 Paige Farries, 10 Minori Yamamoto, 9 Jess Kershaw, 1 Akina Gondwe (c), 2 El Febrey, 3 Laura Keates, 4 Elizabeth Shermer, 5 Amelia Buckland Hurry, 6 Sara Moreira, 7 Charlotte Wright Haley, 8 Cara Brincat
Replacements | 16 Carmen Tremelling, 17 Flo Long, 18 Stef Evans, 19 Taz Bricknell, 20 Jo Brown, 21 Tori Sellors, 22 Sarah Nicholas, 23 Vicky Foxwell