A quartet of former Welwyn juniors have been selected for England ahead of a major world tournament.

Hannah Botterman, who also played for Datchworth, Zoe Harrison, Helena Rowland and Ella Wyrwas all spent some of their formative years at the Hobbs Way club.

And the four, who have a total of 137 caps between them, are part of a 30-strong squad heading to Canada for the 2024 WXV tournament.

The Red Roses head to North America looking to defend their 2023 title and will play USA, New Zealand, who they beat in a warm-up fixture a few weeks ago, and hosts Canada.
 
Head coach john Mitchell said: “We have selected a strong group of players who have worked hard and smart for each other during the pre-season test matches.

"We will use the learnings to improve our game and attack the WXV tournament in Canada with great energy.

"We now look forward to focusing on our preparations for the USA match."

A total of 1,145 caps makes up the travelling contingent

The squad, which will be captained by Marlie Packer, with vice-captains Zoe Aldcroft and Natasha Hunt, includes uncapped duo Phoebe Murray and Bo Westcombe-Evans.

It will be another step on the road to the Women's Rugby World Cup, taking place in England next year.

Red Roses squad for 2024 WXV

Forwards

Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 55 caps)
Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 59 caps)
Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 49 caps)
Georgia Brock (Gloucester-Hartpury, 1 cap)
Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)
Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 76 caps)
Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 8 caps)
Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 16 caps)
Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)
Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 69 caps)
Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps)
Marlie Packer (Saracens, 106 caps)
Connie Powell (Harlequins, 19 caps)
Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 15 caps)
Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)

Backs

Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 32 caps)
Jess Breach (Saracens, 40 caps)
Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 47 caps)
Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 51 caps)
Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 24 caps)
Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 74 caps)
Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 45 caps)
Phoebe Murray (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 23 caps)
Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)
Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 113 caps)
Bo Westcombe-Evans (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, 6 caps)

Fixtures

Sunday, September 29 - USA v Red Roses
BC Place Stadium, Canada, KO 12:30 PDT | 20:30 BST

Sunday, October 6 - New Zealand v Red Roses
Langley Event Centre, KO 13:00 PDT | 21:00 BST

Saturday, October 12 - Canada v Red Roses
BC Place Stadium, Canada, KO 19:00 PDT | 03:00 BST