Red Roses announce Autumn Internationals squad

The autumn internationals are upon us and England head coach Simon Middleton has named his England squad ahead of fixtures against New Zealand, Canada and USA. Middleton has named eleven uncapped players in his squad which also includes a number of returning faces.

Versatility is the keyword for Simon as players like Maud Muir, Flo Robinson and Holly Aitchison add not only their undoubted skill but also the ability to cover multiple positions.

Alex Matthews and Helena Rowland return to the fold after their time with GB7s and are joined by Aitchison whose rangy runs and kicking game could well see her slot into the 12 shirt.

Bombastic props Sarah Bern and Hannah Botterman are also back after time out injured and scrum half Leanne Riley is included despite having been injured herself for some time.

Other notable inclusions include impressive Gloucester-Hartpury full back Emma Sing and a deserving call up for the ever-impressive Heather Cowell of Harlequins.

Check out our video for a few thoughts from Mids and also captain Sarah Hunter from this morning’s squad announcement and keep an eye here as we bring you more coverage over the coming weeks!

England Women squad for the 2021 autumn internationals

Forwards
Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 24 caps)
Sarah Beckett (Harlequins, 21 caps)
Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)
Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 22 caps)
Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins, 24 caps)
Bryony Cleall (Wasps, 5 caps)
Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 47 caps)
Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 57 caps)
Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 60 caps)
Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 31 caps)
Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens, 79 caps)
Detysha Harper (Loughborough Lightning, 5 caps)*
Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, 126 caps)
Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)*
Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 41 caps)
Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps, 62 caps)*
Maud Muir (Wasps, uncapped)*
Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 19 caps)
Marlie Packer (Saracens, 76 caps)
Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury, uncapped)*
Emily Robinson (Harlequins, uncapped)*
Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 47 caps)

Backs
Holly Aitchison (Saracens, uncapped)
Jess Breach (Harlequins, 19 caps)
Heather Cowell (Harlequins, uncapped)*
Merryn Doidge (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)*
Abby Dow (Wasps, 18 caps)
Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 30 caps)
Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 15 caps)
Claudia MacDonald (Wasps, 15 caps)
Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 36 caps)
Lucy Packer (Harlequins, uncapped)*
Amber Reed (Bristol Bears, 58 caps)
Leanne Riley (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)*
Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 6 caps)
Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, uncapped)*
Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors, 47 caps)
Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 8 caps)
Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, uncapped)*

*denotes non-contracted player

Emily Scarratt is the final contracted player but misses the autumn period due to injury (broken leg).

"Certain games you look to, maybe against like the likes of Cardiff or Sheffield or Nottingham" - Josh Roach looks to the season ahead for the Belfast Giants

With player announcements in full flow, CHL fixtures next month and the Elite League season hot on its heels what better time to get back to chatting with players on what they are up to and their thoughts on the season ahead. Fresh off announcing his return to the Belfast Giants we caught up with Josh Roach . “We're starting to get close to that pre-pre-season time, so I’m enjoying a little bit more relaxing before we get back into it… it won't be long.” Roach tells us, before sharing how he has spent his summer. “I was home for a quick visit right at the end of the season and then we went on a little holiday, but other than that I've just been on the island. It's kind of nice to have some downtime in Belfast and explore around here a bit more.” “You don't really get the opportunity many times to stay for summer in the place you play, so you get comfortable. This is year five for me, so it is really is like a second home and honestly, it feels more weird t...

Full roster announced for Adam Keefe's testimonial.

With a little over two weeks to go until the puck drops for head coach Keefe's testimonial game, the Belfast Giants have confirmed the full roster who will be icing to celebrate his time with the Giants and his impact on Belfast. With a who's who of former and current Giants, some well known names for NHL fans and even some of Adam's family, involved it promises to be a fun event as Keefe rotates between the teams to ice with so many influential figures from across his career. Read on for the full press release. ----- The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to confirm the full roster of players and coaches for Adam Keefe ’s testimonial, which is set to take place at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Sunday 8 June 2025. The highly anticipated one-night-only celebrate will commemorate the legacy of Adam Keefe – a true Giant in every sense – with a star-studded lineup of players taking to the ice in his honour. Featuring members of the Belfast Giants 2024/25 Challenge Cup and Eli...

Building for the new season in Belfast

With Adam Keefe's testimonial and their HospICE Hockey fundraising game in the rear-view mirror, it's time for Belfast Giants to set their sights on the season ahead and their first announcement, late last week, was a belter as they confirmed Keefe would return for another season as head coach. In addition to Keefe's return the first player signing of the new season has been announced, with the return of fan-favourite forward Scott Conway. The team's top scorer last season, is beloved by Giants fans and the sort of character this league needs more of. His ability to wind up the opposition means opposing fans love to hate him and he does a brilliant job of finding motivation for his teammates and weak spots in the opposing team's armour. Conway may have been the first returnee to be announced, but the news is coming thick and fast now, with Scott's linemates David Goodwin and JJ Piccinich back for more and Ben Lake committing to his sixth season at the SSE Arena....

Sitting In The Cheap Seats

Search This Blog