Abbie Ward rejoins England's Women's Six Nations

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England’s head coach, John Mitchell, has revealed the 38-player training squad for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations. The squad will convene for a three-day preparation session next week, gearing up for the tournament scheduled from March 23 to April 27. Notably, Poppy Cleall, a key player for Saracens in the Allianz Women’s Premiership, is conspicuously absent from the squad, despite her 65 appearances for the Red Roses. Although she missed the inaugural edition of WXV last year due to injury, reports suggest she is now fully fit.

Sarah Bern, a prop for Bristol Bears, is also missing from the squad due to a season-ending meniscus injury. Additionally, Zoe Aldcroft, Amy Cokayne, Zoe Harrison, Emily Scarratt, and Morwenna Talling are unavailable due to injuries. The squad introduces six uncapped players: Lizzie Hanlon, Katie Buchanan, Merryn Doidge from Exeter, Sharifa Kasolo from Saracens, Gabriella Nigrelli from Bristol, and Lilli Ives Campion from Loughborough Lightning.

The #RedRoses training squad for the 2024 @Womens6Nations has been confirmed! ?@O2 | #WearTheRose | #GuinnessW6N
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 18, 2024

Abbie Ward, who recently returned to rugby after giving birth less than a year ago, is one of the players making a comeback in the England squad. The Bristol lock rejoined the Allianz Women’s Premiership in November. Head coach Mitchell expressed excitement about the upcoming 2024 camp, aiming to build on the positive WXV experience and introduce new members to the team’s values. The camp will also focus on updating athletic profiling data, assessing the team’s strengths, and planning the next steps for their game. The Red Roses kick off their Six Nations title defense against Italy on March 24 in Parma.

Here is the list of players in England’s 38-player training squad for the Women’s Six Nations: