England Women will be boosted by return of Harriet-Millar Mills as the back row returns to the squad after a lengthy injury lay off.
The Wasps FC player could represent her country for the first time since the 2017 Rugby World Cup final after being included in Simon Middleton’s 32-player squad for the 2020 Women’s Six Nations.
Rowena Burnfield and Vickii Cornborough also return to the squad while the uncapped duo of Amelia Harper and Morwenna Talling are also included.
Middleton believes the Grand Slam champions’ squad showcases the young talent and is pleased to welcome back Burnfield and Millar-Mills.
Middleton said: “We’ve named a squad that certainly reflects not only the immense experience in the English women’s game but also some of the outstanding young talent that we are now seeing emerge from the Tyrrells Premier 15s.
“It’s great to see Harriet Millar-Mills back in the fold. Before her injuries, she was probably playing the best rugby of her life. She’s a great athlete as well as a top quality player and will add real value and quality to this group.
“Row Burnfield has come back in. We always know we are going to get nothing less than 100% commitment with Row, she’s a fierce competitor, a physical player across the field with lots of energy which we are going to need in an attritional competition such as the Six Nations.
“Amelia Harper is an out-and-out seven. She’s fast across the ground and fearless in the contact, that’s exactly what you need from that position. We’re really excited about seeing her play.
“Morwenna Talling has come through the Talent Development Group and broke onto the Tyrrells Premier 15s scene this season. The impact Morwenna has made in the Tyrrells league this season is nothing short of remarkable and that’s why she’s been called up to the squad.
“In terms of the overall squad, we are looking forward to seeing how this group, especially those who have emerged over the last 18 months, take the next step onto more senior roles and are pushing to be starters.
“We know we have a tough route in this year’s competition. We are missing some key players but know this presents a good opportunity for our wider squad who we have full belief in.”
England open their campaign away to France and then travel to Scotstoun to face Scotland in Round 2.
England Women squad for 2020 Women’s Six Nations
Forwards
Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury Women) Sarah Beckett (Harlequins Women) Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears Women) Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women) Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Women) Rowena Burnfield (Richmond FC) Bryony Cleall (Saracens Women) Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women) Amy Cockayne (Harlequins Women/RAF) Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Women) Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning) Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens Women) Amelia Harper (Loughborough Lightning) Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning) Heather Kerr (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps FC Ladies) Abbie Scott (Harlequins Women) Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning)
Backs
Jess Breach (Harlequins Women) Katy Daly-McLean (Loughborough Lightning) Abby Dow (Wasps FC Ladies) Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women) Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury) Claudia Macdonald (Wasps FC Ladies) Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women) Amber Reed (Bristol Bears Women) Leanne Riley (Harlequins Women) Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning) Emily Scott (Harlequins Women) Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury) Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors Women) Millie Wood (Gloucester-Hartpury)
