Crompton starts as five Bears named in England U20 squad

Wednesday, March 30th 2022

Grace Crompton is set for her first England U20 start of the season in this weekend’s Test against France at Henley Hawks RFC (Saturday, April 2nd, KO 2pm).

Crompton starts on the opposite wing to Bears teammate and England co-captain, Jenny Hesketh, while China Kill and Gabriella Nigrelli are named in the pack. Delaney Burns is among the replacements.

In the second of back-to-back matches against Les Bleues, the young Red Roses are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 35-14 defeat in Normandy in the match at Dry Leas.

Entry to the match is free but supporters wishing to attend must book tickets online here.

Car parking is available in the Borlase field (next to HRFC) at a price of £5 per vehicle but must be booked online here.

Hesketh said: “With a big French crowd and a brass band playing throughout the game, last weekend was an amazing way to experience our first Test match.

“Games between England and France are always very competitive. France were a physical side but our 1-23 really showed how well we can come together and play. I think we can take a lot from how France played in open play and this weekend we look to play to our strengths even more in these areas.

“In this coming game we will rise to the challenge and I have full belief that we will all leave it out on the pitch.”

Matchday squad to face France

15. Georgina Tasker (Loughborough Lightning)
14. Grace Crompton (Bristol Bears)
13. Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs)
12. Lizzie Duffy (Sale Sharks)
11. Jenny Hesketh (CC; Bristol Bears)
10. Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs)
9. Alicia Maude (Gloucester-Hartpury)

1. China Kill (Bristol Bears)
2. Alana Bainbridge (DMP Durham Sharks)
3. Kelsey Clifford (Saracens)
4. Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning)
5. Gabriella Nigrelli (Bristol Bears)
6. Nikita Prothero (Loughborough Lightning)
7. Maisy Allen (CC; Exeter Chiefs)
8. Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Sale Sharks)

Finishers
16. Rosie Dobson (Harlequins)
17. Abby Middlebrooke (Exeter Chiefs)
18. Georgie Grimes (Exeter Chief)
19. Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears)
20. Megan Barwick (Bath)
21. Abi Kershaw (Worcester Warriors)
22. Pip Hendy (Gloucester-Hartpury)
23. Holly Thorpe (DMP Durham Sharks)

England Women U20 March results
England 38-7 Scotland Futures (Saturday 19 March, Darlington Arena)
France 35-14 England (Saturday 26 March, Stade Jean Bouin, Évreux Athletic Club)