Brennan named as co-captain for England Students game

Exeter Chiefs Women’s centre Naomi Brennan has been named as co-captain for tomorrow’s England Students game against the UK Armed Forces.

Brennan will line up with fellow team-mate Danielle Preece in the centres while Hannah Sams and Alessia Skeates will start in the front row with Lola Whitley, Zoe Dare and Anna Woodman also in the pack. Former Chiefs and University of Exeter player Connie Clarke will begin the game at full-back.

All will be under the watchful eye of assistant coach Poppy Leitch, who also heads up Chiefs’ U23s programme.

Brennan said: “I can’t wait to take the field tomorrow with such a talented group of women. It’s been a great week, leaving our rivalries aside from day one and we’re excited to see how we can bring that connection together on Friday. 

"It’s also exciting to play against Lucy as she represents the UKAF. She is an incredible player and person, so to see her representing her country is something we are so proud of her for!"

The England Students will take on the UK Armed Forces, including Chiefs’ Lucy Nye, at the Army Rugby Stadium in Aldershot. Entry is free and kick-off is 18:30.

England Students

15 Connie Clarke (University of Exeter)
14 Grace White (Brunel University of London)
13 Danielle Preece (University of Exeter, Exeter Chiefs)
11 Ellen Scantlebury (University of Loughborough)
10 Charli Mai-Manns (Hartpury University)
9 Lucy Weaver (University of Loughborough)
1 Hannah Sams (University of Exeter, Exeter Chiefs)
2 Amy Dale (Hartpury University) – co-captain
3 Alessia Skeates (University of Exeter, Exeter Chiefs)
5 Jodie Verghese (University of Loughborough)
6 Megan Barwick (Brunel University of London)
7 Zoe Dare (Hartpury University, Exeter Chiefs)

Replacements

16 Eloise Harris (University of Worcester)
17 Natalia Faik (Brunel University of London)
18 Steph Atkinson (University of Loughborough)
19 Jorja Battishall (Hartpury University)
20 Eryn Sinckler-Bermingham (Hartpury University)
21 Tilly Ryall (Hartpury University)
22 Issy McGuire Evans (University of Worcester)
23 Tilly Smale (Hartpury University)

Photo credits: Fairlight Creative and England Students