England women bank on experience for home World Cup bid

LONDON :England coach John Mitchell has named a vastly experienced squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil starting next month as the hot favourites aim to underline their dominance of the sport with the prize that so agonisingly eluded them in 2022.

The squad of 32 named on Thursday boasts a combined 1,374 international caps, with 24 players who have previously competed at a World Cup.

Zoe Aldcroft will captain her country in her third World Cup, supported by 2014 winner Marlie Packer and Olympian Megan Jones as vice captains.

Emily Scarratt, with 118 caps to her name, is set to compete in her fifth tournament having overcome a career-threatening neck injury, with Alex Matthews and Packer in line for their fourth.

Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Feaunati, Lilli Ives Campion, Jade Shekells and Emma Sing are all World Cup debutants.

Natasha Hunt was included, three years after her shock omission from the 2022 squad and having fought back to make herself first-choice scrumhalf again.

"It is a rare and awesome opportunity for this group to represent the Red Roses at a home World Cup," Mitchell said.

"It has been a thorough two-year process to select the right blend of positional cover, skill, mindset and connection.

"Every experience and challenge has brought the 32 to this point in their life and career, and they have all earned their place. They should be proud of the opportunity to create history together."

Captain Aldcroft added: "To lead the team into a home Rugby World Cup is an incredible feeling. This group have a fantastic opportunity to inspire young boys and girls all over the country - it’s something we have spoken about as a collective and we’re relishing the chance to