Bristol Star Awarded England Women Sevens Contract

Abbie will join the squad of 17 players from last season, including fellow Bristol player Amy Wilson-Hardy, who have had their contracts renewed.

Brown replaces Abigail Chamberlain, who has announced her retirement from international rugby, and Leanne Riley, who will now focus on the 15-a-side game.

The centrally-contracted players will contest the HSBC Sevens World Series and compete for a spot in the Great Britain Olympic sevens squad in 2015-2016.

Bristol Ladies Brown has enjoyed a whirlwind year, making her Test debut against Wales in the Six Nations before featuring in the Rugby Europe Grand Prix series.

The England Sevens squad, who returned from their summer break last week, will continue to be based out of Surrey Sports Park and Twickenham Stadium.

England Women Sevens squad

Michaela Staniford (Wasps),Marlie Packer (Wasps), Danielle Waterman (Bristol), Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Alice Richardson (Richmond), Sarah McKenna (Saracens), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Joanne Watmore (Richmond), Natasha Brennan (Richmond), Kay Wilson (Thurrock), Alexandra Matthews (Richmond), Emily Scott (Thurrock), Claire Allan (Richmond), Heather Fisher (Thurrock), Abbie Brown (Bristol), Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens), Rachael Burford (Thurrock).

Photo courtesy of www.rmtphotos.co.uk