Latest news with #SarahParry
The Independent
4 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Red Roses unveil World Cup training squad as young guns given chance to impress
Young guns Millie David and Sarah Parry have been given an opportunity to stake a claim for Rugby World Cup selection after earning inclusion in the Red Roses training squad ahead of the tournament. The pair, who have both featured for England's Under 20s this year, are part of a 42-player group that assembled this week as John Mitchell 's side begin their preparations for their tilt at triumph on home soil. Wing David was one of the stars of the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) season for Bristol Bears, impressing with her pace and serious finishing skill, while centre Parry has established herself in the Harlequins first team. There is no place in the squad for experienced forward Sarah Beckett, who did not add to her 35 caps in the Women's Six Nations, but lock Cath O'Donnell returns from a long-term injury lay-off to bolster Mitchell's back five options and could press for a first cap in nearly two years. Mackenzie Carson (ankle), Ellie Kildunne (hamstring), Claudia MacDonald (knee) and Abbie Ward (toe) will continue their rehabilitation from injuries in camp, with none thought to be doubts for the tournament, which begins on 22 August. "We know how important and exciting 2025 is for women's rugby in England,' Mitchell said. 'Today is the start of little wins where we will work hard into the tournament.' The 42-player squad will be cut to 32 ahead of the tournament, with head coach Mitchell intending to name 18 forwards and 14 backs. England will spend the next two weeks at London Irish's former training centre at Hazelwood, and will also spend time at the Lensbury in Teddington and the Pennyhill Park training base ahead of the World Cup. A warm-weather camp in Treviso will be followed by warm-up fixtures against Spain in Leicester and France in Mont de Marsan as preparations intensify before the opening fixture against the United States at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. England, favourites for the tournament having lost in the final of the last two editions, also face Samoa and Australia in Group A. Red Roses World Cup training squad Forwards Zoe Aldcroft Lark Atkin-Davies Sarah Bern Hannah Botterman Georgia Brock Abi Burton May Campbell Mackenzie Carson Kelsey Clifford Amy Cokayne Maddie Feaunati Rosie Galligan Lizzie Hanlon Lilli Ives Campion Sadia Kabeya Alex Matthews Maud Muir Cath O'Donnell Marlie Packer Simi Pam Connie Powell Morwenna Talling Abbie Ward Backs Holly Aitchison Jess Breach Millie David Abby Dow Zoe Harrison Tatyana Heard Natasha Hunt Megan Jones Ellie Kildunne Claudia MacDonald Lucy Packer Sarah Parry Flo Robinson Helena Rowland Emily Scarratt Jade Shekells Emma Sing Mia Venner Ella Wyrwas
The Independent
07-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
England continue home World Cup preparations by chasing Six Nations history
John Mitchell wants England to lay the foundations for their home World Cup by continuing to develop throughout the Guinness Women's Six Nations. The Red Roses are targeting an unprecedented eighth successive title and fourth consecutive Grand Slam when their Championship defence opens against Italy in York on March 23. Mitchell has freshened up his side by naming Zoe Aldcroft as captain in place of Marlie Packer, as well as adjusting other elements of England's set up in the hope of remaining at the summit of the game ahead of this summer's global tournament. 'We've definitely been a side over the years who have been attracted to consistency, so it's important that we continue to evolve,' Mitchell said at the tournament launch in London. 'We've looked at our culture and how that wins very, very strongly. We've made some tweaks in leadership and to the flow of the early part of our week. We've just got started on evolving our game and we certainly want to evolve. 'We'd like to put our opponents under different kinds of pressure as we go into this tournament and hopefully throughout the year we're able to consolidate and then take that into preparation for the home World Cup.' England are preparing for the Six Nations with a camp in Bristol and Mitchell has taken the opportunity to look at emerging talent, calling rookies Charlotte Fray, Jade Shekells, Sarah Parry and Millie David into his most recent squad. 'Experienced players definitely need the balance of youth, the enthusiasm, the energy and freshness that they bring,' Mitchell said. 'We've had youngsters like Millie David and Sarah Parry in this week and we've all had memories of entering international camps or teams for the first time – it can be quite confronting. 'But they've left after four days thinking that yes, they can become a Red Rose and that's really important. 'It's a credit to the culture as well that the girls have allowed them to be themselves. Cognitively they had to pick up a lot of knowledge, a lot of detail, but once we get going you can see that they're able to express themselves.' The Women's Six Nations is entering its fifth year in a standalone slot after the men's tournament when previously the events were run concurrently. Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm said: 'We enjoy the new window. It's made a big difference. Having a separate window allows us to get more media attention. 'People enjoy the Six Nations and they know it's not done after the men's tournament. The warmer weather helps as well, so we're not complaining about that.'
