England Women Sevens make two changes for series finale
Tuesday 24 May 2016 15:59, UK
England Women head coach Simon Middleton has named his Sevens squad for the final leg of the World Rugby HSBC Women's Sevens Series at Clermont-Ferrand this weekend.
Middleton has made two alterations to the squad that beat New Zealand in last month's cup final of the Langford Sevens in Canada, bringing back Claire Allan and Natasha Brennan to replace Sarah McKenna and Jo Watmore.
England have been drawn in a competitive Pool A with Spain, USA and Kenya for the group stage in France on Saturday.
After picking up the maximum 20 points in Canada last time, they enter the finale in third place overall with 60 points behind Australia (76) and New Zealand (64).
Middleton said: "We have secured a top-three finish in three of the four tournaments so far this series. That will be our aim again this time. It was great to get the win in Langford under our belts and show people what the squad are capable of.
"We expect tough competition in France and look forward to it, in what will be the final time we meet most of these teams before going out to Rio for the Olympics."
Former international hockey player Brennan returns alongside Allan, who will be making her fourth appearance this series.
"With just over two months now until Rio, we felt it important to look at different combinations," Middleton added.
