Abbie Brown to captain England Women Sevens at Commonwealth Games
Tuesday 27 March 2018 12:35, UK
Seven Olympians have been named in the England women's rugby side to compete in the inaugural women's sevens tournament at next month's Commonwealth Games in Australia.
England Women Sevens and Team GB's Abbie Brown will captain the experienced side that will travel to the Gold Coast for the three-day competition, which begins on April 13.
Speaking on Monday, England head coach James Bailey praised the talent within his squad: "We have really benefitted and developed a lot from competing on the World Series and at numerous invitational tournaments, against some of the best teams in the world, in order to be ready for this tournament.
"We have a lot of incredibly talented, world-class players in this side who are willing to work exceptionally hard for each other - and it's that level of dedication and commitment that we're hoping will bring success at the Games."
Former Team GB skipper and 2017 Rugby World Cup finalist Emily Scarratt is named as vice-captain. She is joined by Team GB team-mates Heather Fisher, Claire Allan, Natasha Hunt, Emily Scott and Amy Wilson Hardy.
World Rugby Women's Player of the Year 2017 nominee Lydia Thompson has been named in the squad alongside rugby World Cup finalists Alex Matthews and Megan Jones.
England Women Sevens players Deborah Fleming and Jess Breach - who scored nine tries in her Sydney Sevens tournament debut earlier this year - are also included with Vicky Fleetwood named as travelling reserve.
England are drawn in Pool B and face Fiji on the opening day of the tournament, before taking on Australia and Wales.
