Dare to face Spain's senior women for England U21s

Exeter Chiefs Women’s back-row Zoë Dare has been selected to play England U21s against Spain’s senior women.

University of Exeter’s Francesca Welsher has also been selected to start the game on the bench.

This will be England U21s’ final game ahead of their Six Nations tournament. Being played at Estadio El Pantano in Villajoyosa on Saturday (KO 15:00), this is an uncapped fixture.

England U21s will then face Scotland (KO 11:00) at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, 18 Apri,l to open their Six Nations Women’s U21s Series.

Head coach LJ Lewis said: “This group has shown courage in attacking every challenge put in front of them so far, showing commitment to improving with a mindset has been exceptional in our preparation.

“The connections built on and off the field have translated into the intensity we’re seeing in training and in how we want to play the game. The way our players have bonded and taken ownership through strong leadership has set a standard we want to maintain.

“Facing Spain’s senior side is an exciting and important test for us. It gives this group a chance to experience the physicality and game understanding required at the next level, while showcasing the identity and values we’re continuing to embed as we build towards the Six Nations.”

The fixture will be available to stream on FER's YouTube channel.

England U21 Women

15 Lauren Bailey (Bristol Bears, Dings Crusaders, uncapped)
14 Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 1 cap)
13 Millie Hyett (Bristol Bears, Evesham RFC, 8 caps)
12 Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 2 caps)
11 Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, uncapped)
10 Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 7 caps)
9 Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 7 caps)
1 Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 10 caps)
2 Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)
3 Aisha Jah (Bristol Bears, Mansfield, uncapped)
4 Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, 3 caps)
5 Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, uncapped)
6 Zoë Dare (Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC, uncapped)
7 Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 3 caps)
8 Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, Easts Tigers Rugby Union, uncapped)

Replacements: 
16 Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, 3 caps)
17 Zara Green (Harlequins, Lewes RFC, 2 caps)
18 Ruby Winstanley (Harlequins, Guildfordians RFC, uncapped)
19 Tamsin Baynes (Loughborough Lightning, Market Harborough RFC, uncapped)
20 Seren Coombs (London Irish Ladies, Jersey RFC, uncapped)
21 Kaya Acton (Loughborough Lightning, Hull Ionians RFC, uncapped)
22 Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, 2 caps)
23 Natalee Evans (Bristol Bears, Shrewsbury RFC, uncapped)
24 Francesca Welsher (Exeter University, Winscombe, uncapped)
25 Alice Bennett (Loughborough University, Peterborough RUFC, uncapped)
26 Jo Vosakiwaiwai (Harlequins, Andover RFC, uncapped)