England Rugby Women's European 7s Team Announced

England Women will compete in their first sevens tournament since reaching the quarter finals of the IRB Rugby World Cup earlier this year at the European 7s in Hanover, Germany next month.

The squad includes Claire Allan, Rachael Burford and Heather Fisher who all featured in the Rugby World Cup, while the likes of Sonia Green, Sarah Guest and Georgina Roberts were all involved in the wider sevens squad.

England, who will compete in the tournament from July 11th-12th, will be coached by former England international Susie Appleby and Barry Maddocks, RFUW Club and Coach Officer.

England are top seeds for the championship and have been drawn against Spain, France, Sweden and Portugal in their pool. Other teams competing are the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Moldova

Head Coach Appleby, who was capped 65 times by England, said: "Myself and Barry are really looking forward to the challenge of the European 7s next month.   "This will be the first tournament that England have entered since the World Cup in March and it will give the girls an opportunity to impress at the tournament prior to the Nations Cup in August.    "The squad is looking strong and has an excellent mix of talent, ability and world cup experience.   "We have a tough opening group with both Spain and France but we certainly have the ability to do well in this tournament."

England 7s squad

Claire Allan Saracens
Rachael Burford Saracens
Abi Chamberlain Worcester
Heather Fisher Wasps
Sonia Green Saracens
Sarah Guest Worcester
Jane Leonard Wasps
Lois Moulding Lichfield
Amber Penrith Cardiff Quins
Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks