England have named the 12-woman squad which will travel to Dubai for the opening leg of HSBC World Rugby’s Women’s Sevens Series with newcomer Vicky Fleetwood named alongside seasoned stalwarts Michaela Staniford, Jo Watmore, Alice Richardson and Amy Wilson-Hardy.  

Emily Scarratt (pictured) will captain the side – which also includes Katy Mclean, Claire Allan, Rachel Burford, Heather Fisher, Fran Matthews and Kay Wilson – as they prepare to face Australia, new core team Japan and Spain in Pool C on Thursday. 

“Our approach as we go through the world series will be to utilise the depth of what is a very strong squad as we go through to the Olympic year,” said coach Simon Middleton said. “We need the players to get an ample amount of game time so we can look at them with Rio in mind.

“Initially for Dubai, we’re going with an experienced squad with the aim to finish high in the series table so we can challenge for a top three seeding in the Olympics.

“In addition there will be a GB select side competing in the invitational tournament, led by Richie Pugh [GB Women’s Sevens assistant coach]. It is a great opportunity for us to see the synergy and game understanding that we have been working on over the past three months with the nominated girls from the WRU and SRU.”

When it comes to the series, Middleton knows that a successful campaign is no easy task.

“Australia are one of the best sides in the world and on their day they are as good as anybody – they were the one side we couldn’t seem to get hold of, so we know we’ve some work to do to catch up to them but we’re confident we can do that.

“Japan are a very competitive and physical side, with high energy and Spain played really well towards the end of last year and had some good moments during our last two encounters, so they’ll both provide a really strong challenge in our group.”

England squad: Claire Allan, Rachael Burford, Heather Fisher, Vicky Fleetwood, Fran Matthews, Katy Mclean, Alice Richardson, Emily Scarratt (captain), Michaela Staniford, Jo Watmore, Kay Wilson, Amy Wilson-Hardy

Experienced look for Australia women

Australia coach Tim Walsh has named an experienced squad for the opening round of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Dubai next month.

Captain Sharni Williams has played in every round of the series since it began in 2012 and seven other members of the squad have at least 10 events to their name.

Australia will be without Tiana Penitani (knee), Brooke Walker (leg) and Mahalia Murphy (toe) as they attempt to go one better than last year where they lost in the final to a last-gasp try by New Zealand.

“It’s round one of what is a big year for women’s sevens and we’re keen to get off to a strong start and stamp some authority on the series,” said Walsh, who recently guided Australia’s men to Rio 2016 qualification through the Oceania qualifier.

“We’ve kept the core group together for a couple of seasons now, and this consistency of selection is resulting in improved team performances and individual growth.”

Australia, who won their first series title in Dubai back in 2013, will play England, Spain and new core team Japan in Pool C on 3 December.

“As a team, we always enjoy Dubai,” Walsh added. “It’s hot and fast - very similar to conditions in Australia. It's a real festival of rugby, both men and women play there. There’s an invitational tournament and 50,000 fans pack the stands.

“We go there with a belief we can perform and with the pre-season we have had we are confident we will perform. The results will then take care of themselves.”

Australia squad: Shannon Parry, Sharni Williams (captain), Nicole Beck, Gemma Etheridge, Emma Tonegato, Evania Pelite, Charlotte Caslick, Chloe Dalton, Amy Turner, Alicia Quirk, Emilee Cherry, Ellia Green.