Rugby Union: Saracens six in England women’s team

Six Saracens players have been named in the England women’s team for a training camp this weekend.

Marlie Packer, Poppy Cleall, Hannah Botterman, Lotte Clapp, Zoe Harrison and Lauren Cattell have all been selected.

A squad of 43 players will convene on Friday for the three-day training camp, before Middleton will select a smaller group to take part in two behind-closed-doors training games against South Africa in Aldershot later this month.

The camp will provide a chance for the squad to come together for the first time following the Women’s World Cup in August and begin preparations ahead of the Old Mutual Wealth Series that will see England play Canada in a three Test series.

“This year we are doing things differently and bringing together an extended training squad of 43 players with the objective being twofold,” said Middleton.

“Firstly to allow us to select the strongest squad for the upcoming season and secondly give new talent invaluable playing opportunities as part of an international training team in games against South Africa.

“Off the back of the training camp and training games we’ll reduce the extended training squad numbers and name an EPS squad, who we feel is right for the upcoming season.”