Sarah McKenna (Saracens Women, 28 caps)
A versatile player, who is comfortable operating at fly-half, centre or full-back, she has played for for Scorpions, Old Albanian, Wasps and Saracens, where she was a key part of the latter’s 2014/15 and 2018/19 title-winning sides. McKenna started every game at full-back for England in the 2019 Women’s Six Nations as they secured a Grand Slam.
Fun Fact: She has a passion for squash and music, having turned her hand to a bit of amateur DJing
Amber Reed (Bristol Bears Women, 51 caps)
She started her England career back in 2011 when she was selected for the England Women U20s squad. Amber was part of the 2017 and 2018 Six Nations squads and won the Womens Rugby World Cup with England in 2014. Amber also competed in the first England women vs Barbarians match at Twickenham Stadium in June 2019.
Leanne Riley (Harlequins Women, 34 caps)
She first started playing rugby aged 10, in her home city of Coventry. Since then, she has earned 21 caps for her county and played an integral role in helping Harlequins Ladies reach the final of the inaugural Tyrell’s Premier 15s.
Fun fact: Riley has a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence
Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 85 caps)
The versaitile first played for England in 2008, scoring 12 tries in 12 games and earning comparisons to Brian O’Driscoll. In 2014, Scarratt proved to be an invaluable player to England Women, scoring 16 points in the Rugby World Cup final to help England beat Canada to the title. In 2019, she was awarded the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year.
Fun fact: Scarratt played hockey, rounders and basketball and was offered a US Basketball Scholarship aged 16 but turned it down.
Emily Scott (Harlequins Women, 35 caps)
Scott first played rugby at the age of seven in the boys U8 team at Stanford-le-Hope RFC. After being with Basildon/Rochford she moved to Thurrock and was a key figure in two successive promotions. The fullback was chosen in the 12-strong Team GB sevens squad at Rio 2016, scoring two tries and two conversions in the tournament. She then moved to Saracens in 2016 before joining Harlequins.
Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury, 13 caps)
The winger was then picked to play for England 7s and play in the World Series competitions, before returning to the growing Tyrrells Premier 15s. Made her England debut in the 2018 Six Nations against Scotland, and won her second cap in March against Ireland.
In January 2019, it was confirmed that Kelly was selected for the 2019 EPS squad and awarded a full-time contract. She enjoyed a fine 2019-20 season overall, topping the Tyrrells Premier 15s try-scoring charts and also shining on England duty.
Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors Women, 45 caps)
The winger came through the age-groups at Stourbridge before joining Worcester in 2010. Thompson is an experienced England international, having won the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup and having played for her country in the Sevens format too.
Millie Wood (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps)
She had some incredible experiences over two seasons playing for England 7s, travelling the globe and playing against world class opposition and enjoyed a fine first season for Gloucester-Hartpury. She earned selection for England in the Quilter Internationals in the Autumn and for the Super Rugby Series in San Diego, was selected to represent the Barbarians against England at Twickenham and was named Player of the Season for Gloucester-Hartpury.
Fun fact: She grew up supporting Gloucester