Summary
England's women's rugby team, the Red Roses, has named a training squad that includes 11 new players who have not yet played for the team in international matches. This squad will participate in preparations as part of a new phase following their recent Rugby World Cup victory. The team is also set to potentially break attendance records for a women's rugby match when they play against Ireland in the Six Nations tournament.
Key Facts
- Sophie Hopkins, an England Under-20s player, is among 11 new players in the Red Roses squad.
- Hopkins is combining her studies in biochemistry with a year abroad in France and playing for a French rugby team, Lyon.
- Many of the squad's experienced players, including those from the World Cup, remain, except for two who retired.
- The squad will have a focus on building team communication and culture as they enter a new competitive cycle, according to head coach John Mitchell.
- The Red Roses might break the attendance record for a women’s rugby match during their upcoming game against Ireland.
- Over 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the April match against Ireland at Twickenham.
- The team looks forward to their Six Nations opener at Allianz Stadium Twickenham.
