Six Bears Women named in U20s squad to face Canada

Friday, July 26th 2019

Bristol Bears Women have six players included in Jo Yapp’s 23-player squad to face Canada in the Tri Nations Cup.

Phoebe Murray, Lucie Skuse, Hollie Cunningham and Ebony Jefferies all retain their place in the starting fifteen, while Florence Long will make the step up to start at tight-head prop.

Jess Thomas also comes into the squad among the replacements for Sunday’s Tri Nations Cup decider.

The young Red Roses secured a 62-0 win over the Women’s Eagles, while the Canadians recorded a comfortable 24-7 victory over the USA in their meeting on Wednesday.

“We have made a few changes to ensure all players in camp have an opportunity to play, as this camp is all about developing players for the next step up,” said Yapp.

“Everyone has worked really hard this week both on and off the field and we are really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

England Women U20s team in full to face Canada:

15. Carys Cox, 14. Beth Willcock, 13. Phoebe Murray, 12. Ellen Ramsbottom, 11. Cara Clarke, 10. Lucie Skuse, 9. Jodie Mallard; 1. Akina Gondwe, 2. Connie Powell, 3. Florence Long, 4. Iona Antwis, 5. Hollie Cunningham, 6. Ebony Jefferies, 7. Tabitha Copson, 8. Anya Richmond

Finishers: 16. Eleanor Febrey, 17. Lauren Leatherland, 18. Jess Thomas, 19. Bryony Field, 20. Amelia Harper, 21. Flo Robinson, 22. Emma Hardy, 23. Jess Cooksey

Tri-Nations Cup results/fixtures

Saturday 20 July: England Women U20 62-0 USA Women U20

Wednesday 24 July: USA Women U20 7-24 Canada Women U20

Sunday 28 July: Canada Women U20 v England Women U20 (KO 15:00 BST)