Sarah Hunter to lead strong England squad at Women’s Rugby World Cup

England’s head coach, Simon Middleton, says he is “really confident” about the squad of 32 he has picked for next month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup. Sarah Hunter will captain a Red Roses selection containing six members of the victorious 2014 World Cup squad.

The strength in depth can be gauged by the fact that experienced players such as scrum-half Natasha Hunt and prop Bryony Cleall have missed out on selection this time, with Harlequins’ Lucy Packer and Worcester’s Laura Keates preferred.

Nineteen members of the group will be playing in their first World Cup but there is also a huge amount of experience, with Hunter alone having won 135 caps. “Sarah is a better captain now than she has ever been,” said Middleton. “She has owned the captaincy and how she represents the squad on and off the field is absolutely brilliant. Her pride in and love of representing her country is as strong as ever. She is a class act and we are very fortunate to have her leading the side at this tournament.”

Forwards Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps), Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 46 caps), Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 30 caps), Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins, 27 caps), Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 57 caps) Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 64 caps), Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 70 caps), Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 41 caps), Rosie Galligan (Harlequins, 7 caps), Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, captain, 135 caps), Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps), Laura Keates (University of Worcester Warriors, 62 caps), Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 51 caps), Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 11 caps), Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 20 caps), Marlie Packer (Saracens, 84 caps), Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps), Morwenna Talling