Dare selected for U21s development camp training squad

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Zoë Dare has been selected for England U21s’ 30-player squad ahead of an opposed training session against Canada U21s.

Fresh from her first try for Chiefs at the weekend, Dare has joined a three-day training block at Bisham Abbey before head coach LJ Lewis’s side host Canada U21s Women for a behind-closed-doors, opposed training session in preparation for the upcoming Six Nations Women’s U21 Series this spring.

Dare will be joined by University of Exeter’s Francesca Welsher and Exeter College’s Honey Kerslake, who is playing up from England U18s.

Lewis said: “This group has shown real courage and leadership in how they’ve prepared towards the Six Nations, the intensity and mindset within the squad have set the standard for what it means to represent the Rose.

“Facing Canada provides a valuable opportunity to test our connections and continue that sense of bonding.

“There’s a genuine pride running through this group, and we’re excited to see them take that energy onto the field as we begin our competitive season.”

Exeter College provided a further four players to England U18s when they played Ireland yesterday at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin.

Full-back Izzy Firth, scrum-half Beth Hall, flanker Rowan Turney and loosehead prop Lucie Sams, sister of Hannah, were all capped in the wake of Demelza Short’s selection for John Mitchell’s 38-player Red Roses squad ahead of Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Exeter Chiefs captain and college coach Emily Robinson said: “We are delighted to see these players called up for international duty. Its been a pleasure to see them flourish as they have all worked so hard through the season to upskill and keep up with studies.

“A very special mention for Beth, Lucie and Rowan as they got her first caps yesterday. I have had the pleasure to coach them all in the college set-up and know they are brilliant players already. I know everyone at from the college rugby programme and the Chiefs U23s programme are proud of them.

Robinson added: “As Zoë team-mate, I believe she fully deserves her place in the squad. Since she arrived in the summer, she has fully contributed to our performances every week. Showing a real depth to her skill-set ball in hand and high work rate around the pitch. We all wish her well.”