Alice Richmond has been named as England's captain for the opening leg of the European Women's Sevens Series.
All change for Netherlands tournament
Alice Richardson has been named as England's captain for the opening leg of the European Women's Sevens Series in the Netherlands.
With Michaela Staniford, Sonia Green and Joanne Watmore among those players rested for the tournament ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, Richardson will lead a strong-look squad on June 16-17.
Heather Fisher, Sarah Guest, Emily Scarratt and Danielle Waterman all return to the set-up, while coach Barry Maddocks will hand Sevens debuts to Ruth Laybourn and Sally Tuson after they impressed in the European Championship for the XVs side.
There is also a return for Jane Leonard after a long injury lay-off.
Maddocks said: "Once again we have made some changes to this squad, resting players such as Michaela Staniford and Joanne Watmore, and at the same time bringing in some new players to the fold, who have recently impressed in the XVs game.
"Alice Richardson will captain the side and this will be her chance to bring her leadership skills to the fore.
Interesting
"It is also great to welcome back players like Heather Fisher and Jane Leonard who are powerful and impactful players while Danielle Waterman proved she is back to her best in the XVs recently.
"Natasha Brennan and Kate Hancock have another chance to build on their performances in Amsterdam last month, while it will be interesting to see how Sally Tuson and Ruth Laybourn go in their first international Sevens tournament."
England have been drawn in Pool A alongside France, Russia, Italy, Switzerland and Sweden in a competitive group.
Maddocks added: "This is another tough pool for us and we will undoubtedly be tested. Italy are a good footballing side, Russia are strong athletes who are always difficult to play against whilst France can be seriously impressive on their day.
"We'll certainly need to take our opportunities to rack up as many points as we can ahead of the second round in Moscow."
England: Natasha Brennan (Wasps), Rachael Burford (Richmond), Heather Fisher (Worcester), Kate Hancock (Plymouth Albion), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), Sarah Guest(Worcester), Ruth Laybourn (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Jane Leonard (Wasps), Alice Richardson (capt, Richmond), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Sally Tuson (Bristol), Danielle Waterman (Worcester)
