SEVEN SARACENS WOMEN IN ENGLAND SQUAD FOR SIX NATIONS OPENER

Seven Saracens Women have been selected in the match day squad for England's Six Nations opener against Ireland on Friday.

Sarah McKenna starts at full-back, Hannah Botterman is the first at loosehead prop, Poppy Cleall has been selected at lock and Marlie Packer starts at flanker for the match in Dublin (5pm kick-off).

Fly half Zoe Harrison is among the replacements alongside Bryony Cleall and Rosie Galligan, the only two uncapped players in the squad.

Head coach Simon Middleton said: "We are looking forward to getting out Six Nations campaign under way and implementing some of the things we have been working on since the Quilter Internationals.

"It's great to have a number of players back in the squad from the 2107 Women's Rugby World Cup, as well as those newer names who have impressed through the season so far.

"We know that conditions are likely to be testing in Dublin on Friday but we are looking forward to returning to Dennybrook, a ground we know well, having lifted the Six Nations Grand Slam there in 2017. Whatever the conditions, we will be focused on the task in hand."

England have fixtures against France (10 February), Wales (24 February), Italy (9 March) and Scotland (16 March).