Bears named in women's England U18 squad

England women’s U18 head coach James Cooper has named a 34-player squad for a milestone 2023 campaign, which will see the side play Wales to celebrate the 200-year anniversary of the game before later hosting the Under-18 Six Nations Festival.  

The squad will come together for a three-day training camp at Lilleshall National Sport Centre on Friday, 10 February and again on Saturday, 4 March ahead of the landmark game against Wales at Rugby School the following day.  

England women’s U18 will then host the 2023 Under-18 Six Nations Festival, running from Friday 7 to Saturday 15 April at Wellington College.  

England’s player pathway programme – of which the women’s U18 is an important part – is a vital development tool for future international rugby and growth of the women’s game, especially during a new era ahead of a home 2025 Rugby World Cup.  

England women’s U18 head coach, James Cooper, said: “Congratulations to all the women who have been selected to be part of this squad. They’ve worked incredibly hard and we’re excited by the strength and depth of the group.  

“We’ve been together as a group since August last year, during which time we’ve had 84 players in camp, so it was very difficult for the coaching group to whittle the squad down to just 34. That being said, I would have no hesitation in calling any one of those women who haven’t been selected back into camp or a matchday 23 if needed.  

“There’s a great mix of experience in the squad, and I’d like to acknowledge the Centres of Excellence, clubs and colleges that have done an outstanding job of developing the players, as well as the invaluable support provided by their parents and guardians.

“Each players’ selection is the next step in their rugby careers, which hopefully one day culminates in pulling on a Red Roses jersey.

“This year is going to be massive. We come together in camp next month ahead of our game against Wales to celebrate rugby’s 200-year anniversary at Rugby School, which for many will be a highlight of their rugby journeys. Then in April we’ll host what I’m sure will be a very competitive Under-18 Six Nations Festival.” 

2023 England women’s U18 squad  

Jasmine Adonri (College or Club: Medway, Centre of Excellence: Wasps) 

Daisy Aspinall (Burton, Gloucester Hartpury) 

Lauren Bailey (Dings Crusaders, Bristol) 

Lucy Calladine (Burton, Worcester) 

Bridget Campbell (Sandal, Yorkshire) 

Connie Clarke (Preston Grasshoppers, Sale) 

Ella Cromack (Reading, Wasps) 

Millie David (Reading, Wasps) 

Natalee Evans (Shrewsbury, Worcester) 

Lucy Finch (Henley College, Harlequins) 

Emma Gerrard (Morpeth, North East and Cumbria) 

Evie Haskell (Mansfield, Loughborough) 

Sophie Hopkins (Fullerians, Wasps) 

Millie Hyett (Hartpury College, Gloucester Hartpury) 

Lauren Knowler (Guildfordians, Harlequins) 

Haineala Lutui (Worcester, Worcester) 

Amelia MacDougall (Old Albanians, Saracens) 

Sophie McQueen (Hartpury College, Gloucester Hartpury) 

Annabel Meta (Wimbledon, Harlequins) 

Keira Muir (Basildon, Saracens) 

Sarah Parry (Shrewsbury, Worcester) 

Heidi Pashaei Tarighoun (North Bristol, Bristol) 

Millie Pearce (Reading, Wasps) 

Josie Plant (Exeter Chiefs, Exeter) 

Lilly Plowman (Crediton, Exeter) 

Kayleigh Priest (Exeter College, Exeter) 

Anna Richardson (Tynedale, North East and Cumbria) 

Hannah Sams (Ivybridge, Exeter) 

Lucie Sams (Liverpool St Helens, Sale) 

Sam Shiels (Henley College, Wasps) 

Lucy Ward (Exeter College, Exeter) 

Amelia Williams (Medway, Gloucester Hartpury) 

Ruby Winstanley (Guildfordians, Harlequins) 

Ellie Wood (Sidmouth, Exeter) 

Tickets to the 200-year anniversary game at Rugby School against Wales on sale here and profits from ticket sales will to split between the Injured Players Foundation and the school's 1823 Bursary The Bursary offers means-tested places at Rugby School for boys or girls who show significant promise and aptitude for sport and a commitment to Rugby Football. Entry fee is £8 per adult, £5 per child 

Match location: Rugby School, Lawrence Sheriff St, Rugby CV22 5EH