World Cup Watch: Two Bears named in Red Roses team

Wednesday, October 5th 2022

Sarah Bern and Abbie Ward have been named in the Red Roses side who take on Fiji on Saturday, October 8th (4:45am UK time).

England will play their opening Pool C Rugby World Cup match at Eden Park.

Sarah Hunter captains the side at No 8 and outside centre Emily Scarratt is vice-captain.

Bern (tight-head prop) will pack down alongside Vickii Cornborough (loose-head prop), and Amy Cokayme (hooker), Abbie Ward and Zoe Aldcroft are the lock pairing.

Head coach Simon Middleton, said: “We’ve received a brilliant welcome in New Zealand and the welcome ceremony on Monday was a spectacular occasion. There was incredible energy and enthusiasm in the room and it was an event we will all remember.

“We’ve selected an experienced matchday 23 who we feel are in a good position to get our campaign off to a strong start. We know we could have selected any of the wider squad and there are nine players this week with a key supporting role.

“It’s a privilege to come up against a team in their first-ever World Cup match. We know they have talented players and we’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s great to hear over 30,000 tickets have been sold for the opening day too.

“I’m really pleased with the group effort in training and we can’t wait to get started at an iconic venue in Eden Park on Saturday.”

All fixtures are available to watch on ITV.

England matchday squad to play Fiji

15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 25 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors, 54 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (VC; Loughborough Lightning, 103 caps)
12. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 17 caps)
11. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 20 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 40 caps)
9. Leanne Infante (Saracens, 52 caps)

1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 70 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 64 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 46 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 56 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 51 caps)
7. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (C; Loughborough Lightning, 135 caps)

Finishers
16. Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 30 caps)
18. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 11 caps)
19. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 20 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 57 caps)
21. Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 5 caps)
22. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 10 caps)
23. Abby Dow (Wasps, 24 caps)