Two former Welwyn players have been omitted from the England squad for the for the 2023 Women’s Six Nations.

Head coach Simon Middleton, entering his final tournament as the team boss, has named a 42-player training squad, made up of 23 forwards and 19 backs. 

However, both Hannah Botterman, who started at Datchworth, and Zoe Harrison will miss the competition as the pair recover from knee and ACL injuries respectively.

There are still two former juniors from the Hobbs Way club though.

Helena Rowland will look to add to her 22 caps while Ella Wyrwas is one of nine uncapped members of the squad.

Middleton said: "There are a number of new faces in this squad and while we are missing experienced players, this is a great opportunity for these younger players.

"There is always a regeneration period after any World Cup and this one is no different.

"Those selected have performed very well in the Premier 15s and deserve their opportunity.

"The Six Nations is one of the most iconic tournaments in world rugby that we love participating in.

"We also recognise that it’s an important starting point in terms of preparation for the 2025 World Cup."

England open their campaign against Scotland in Newcastle on March 25 while they end it with their first stand-alone fixture at Twickenham on April 29, with France the visitors.

Botterman's two former clubs will meet at Hobbs Way on Saturday and both will go into the contest on the back of two very different results.

Datchworth secured their spot in Counties One Herts Middlesex for another season by beating Hackney 36-27.

Welwyn, however, were beaten 55-27 at Chiswick, and they drop one place to seven despite a bonus point.

A combination of injury and unavailability meant they made the journey with a side unrecognisable from that which had played only the week before.

Yet to their credit, the young side performed heroically against the promotion contenders and when the score got to 41-27 with only eight minutes remaining, the home supporters were looking anxiously at their watches.

With no wind and an artificial surface, both teams ran the ball whenever they could, making it an entertaining contest.

Several of the home tries were from long range and they turned round 36-10 in front with three late tries in the half.

They hadn't had it all their own way though and after Brad Wiles had kicked Welwyn's first points, Rob Picken forced his way over with five minutes to go to bring Welwyn to within seven.

A further five had been added by Chiswick in the second half when the visitors cut loose.

Ethan Daniel got the first followed by a second for Picken and one for Wiles, all forcing their way over from close range.

A try with three minutes to go and an interception on virtually the last play gave Chiswick a bigger margin of victory but the bonus point was the least a very proud Welwyn side deserved.