Reneeqa Bonner named in England Women U18s squad

Photos courtesy of John White Media.

Bonner, who plays her club rugby for Dings, is selected as part of James Cooper’s 26-player squad to take on Ireland and France (Saturday 9 April) in two 35-minute matches before facing France in a 70-minute contest on Wednesday 13 April.
 
Back in February, England welcomed Scotland to Tynedale RFC for a key development training and playing opportunity to prepare for the tournament. They then fine-tuned their preparations in a camp at the University of Birmingham (18-20 March).
 
The launch of the Six Nations age grade pathway through the introduction of the Under-18 Women’s festival is a crucial step in strengthening the foundations and conduit for the future generations and stars of the women’s game, and a key step towards further development driven competitions such as an Under-20 Women’s competition.
 
There’s strong representation from across regions and centre of excellences in this young Red Roses group.
 
Six Nations will stream each game from Day 2 (Wednesday 13 April) of the U18s Women’s Festival on their YouTube channel.

Cooper said: “We’re all really excited to be heading to Edinburgh for the inaugural U18 Women’s Six Nations festival.
 
“It’s another indication of where the women’s game is going and an important step in this group of players’ learning.
 
“We hope this experience will aid their transition into the U20s, Allianz Premier 15s and perhaps one day representing the Red Roses.
 
“The DAM Health Stadium is a great rugby venue and we can’t wait to get started.

“The squad are prepared and this is testament to the hard work the players have done away from camps and in the centres of excellence throughout the season who do a brilliant job.”

Assistant coach Ollie Perry added: “It’s been awesome to work with this group of talented players that have so much potential.
 
“They’ve individually developed so much through the programme, and there is a real sense of togetherness as we head into the Six Nations festival. 
 
“It will be a fantastic opportunity for the squad to build on their performance from the Scotland game, and get a taste of competing in an international tournament. I have no doubt the experience will create memories and inspire players further to be future Red Roses.”

England Women U18 squad for Six Nations festival:

Evie Addy (Yorkshire)
Daisy Aspinall (Loughborough Lightning)
Reneeqa Bonner (Bristol Bears)
Naomi Brennan (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Leah Brough (Worcester Warriors)
Bridget Campbell (Yorkshire)
Grace Clifford (Harlequins)
Olivia Constable (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Steph Else (Yorkshire)
Cerhys Gould (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Freya Greensmith (Yorkshire)
Katie Johnson (Saracens)
Kira Leat (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Molly Luthayi (Loughborough Lightning)
Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury)
Josie Plant (Exeter Chiefs)
Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs)
Anna Richardson (North East and Cumbria)
Hannah Sams (Exeter Chiefs)
Tori Sellors (Worcester Warriors)
Katie Shillaker (Harlequins)
Niamh Swailes (North East and Cumbria)
Lucy Thorpe (North East and Cumbria)
Evie Walker (Exeter Chiefs)
Lucy Weaver (Loughborough Lightning)
Daisy Womack (Exeter Chiefs)