Noel-Smith and Mattinson set for Women's Six Nations opener

Friday, February 2nd 2018

Bristol Ladies duo, Izzy Noel-Smith and Caity Mattinson have been named among the replacements for England Women’s Six Nations opener against Italy on Sunday (KO 17:30 GMT, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix).

Amber Reed and Lagi Tuima both miss out with ankle injuries but are expected to return later in the campaign.

“The squad are ready for what will be a physical test against Italy," said head coach, Simon Middleton.

"We know they can be unpredictable in how they play and have a well-organised set piece. We have prepared well, with all players training at a consistently high standard throughout camp.

“With the depth and quality of players we have in the squad, we could have opted for a number of combinations with selection, but we have always said we would be selecting on form and have stayed true to that. We have full confidence this side can deliver a win on Sunday.”

England beat Italy 56-13 the last time they met in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup pool stages.

England Women: 15. Ellie Kildunne (Gloucester-Hartpury, 3 caps), 14. Abigail Dow (Wasps FC Ladies, 2 caps), 13. Lauren Cattell (Saracens Women, 20 caps), 12. Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies, 75 caps), 11. Danielle Waterman (Wasps FC Ladies, 77 caps), 10. Katy Daley-Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, 94 caps), 9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins Ladies, 16 caps). 1. Rochelle Clark (Wasps FC Ladies, 132 caps), 2. Lark Davies (Worcester Valkyries, 6 caps), 3. Sarah Bern (Gloucester-Hartpury, 15 caps), 4. Abbie Scott (Harlequins Ladies, 24 caps), 5. Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, 111 caps), 6. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women, 17 caps), 7. Marlie Packer (Saracens Women, 54 caps), 8. Sarah Hunter © (Loughborough Lightning, 101 caps).

Replacements: 16. Amy Cokayne (Wasps FC Ladies, 36 caps), 17. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies, 34 caps), 18. Justine Lucas (Wasps FC Ladies, 28 caps), 19. Rowena Burnfield (Richmond FC, 42 caps), 20. Izzy Noel-Smith (Bristol Ladies, 38 caps), 21. Caity Mattinson (Bristol Ladies, 3 caps), 22. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women, 3 caps), 23. Charlotte Pearce (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped).

England Women Six Nations 2018 fixtures:

Italy v England - Sunday 4 February, KO 17:30 GMT, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix, Stadio Mirabello, Reggio Emilia

England v Wales - Saturday 10 February, KO 12:30 GMT, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix, Twickenham Stoop - Tickets available here

Scotland v England - Friday 23 February, KO 19:30 GMT, Live Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Arena via red button, Scotstoun, Glasgow

France v England - Saturday 10 March, KO 20:00 GMT, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix, Stade des Alpes, Grenoble

England v Ireland - Friday 16 March, KO 17:30 GMT, Live Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Mix, Ricoh Arena, Coventry - Tickets available here