Nine Bristol Ladies Players Named In England Autumn International Squad

Nine Bristol Ladies players have been named in Simon Middleton's 32-player squad for the Old Mutual Wealth Series. 

The Red Roses’ squad features seven names who represented Team GB in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, including Bristol's Danielle Waterman ( B Pro Fitness Bristol) and Amy Wilson Hardy (Massey Cladding). 

Sarah Hunter will once again lead the side, having been confirmed as captain.

England Women Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “This season is all about building towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland next August. In the Old Mutual Wealth Series, we have the opportunity to take on the best sides in the world.

“We have a first-class squad of players and have a number of options and combinations to choose from.

“The arrival of professional contracts for 15-a-side players means that when the players come into camp next week, we will remain together as a squad for the duration of the Old Mutual Wealth Series. While we are under no illusion as to the challenge we face, these four tests will provide an integral part of our World Cup preparation ahead of next year.”

Sarah Bern (Fifth Consultancy), Poppy Cleall (The School of Dance), Izzy Noel-Smith (Prior Park Schools), Marlie Packer (Jones Building Group), Megan Jones and Amber Reed (Colston's School) have all also been selected for the squad. 

The Red Roses will get underway against France at Twickenham Stoop on Wednesday, November 9th (KO 7.45pm, live on Sky Sports).

The two sides have met twice already this year with one win apiece. England most recently exacting revenge during the Summer Series in Salt Lake City 17-13 following France’s 17-12 title-winning victory during the Six Nations.

The side will then travel to Dublin to face Ireland at Dublin University College on Sunday,  November 13th (KO 2pm), having last met at Twickenham Stadium during the Six Nations where the Red Roses enjoyed a 13-9 victory.

They next play New Zealand at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday, November 19th with kick off at 12pm ahead of England v Fiji, before finally taking on Canada following the conclusion of England v Argentina at Twickenham Stadium, KO 5.05pm.