Dare to win her first cap for England U21s
Published on: 16/04/2026
Exeter Chiefs Women’s flanker Zoë Dare will collect her first cap for England U21s when she starts the game against Scotland.
Already in possession of an England Students cap from last summer, Dare will add to her international honours as the Six Nations Women’s U21 Series gets underway at the Hive Stadium on Saturday (KO 11:00).
Dare is one of several U23s players in the England U21s squad. Unions are allowed to select up to five U23 players, bringing the age profile of players closer to that of the Women’s Six Nations, to further enhance the opportunities for graduation into the elite game.
The 23-year-old said: “I’m really proud to earn my first cap for England U21s in the opening round of the U21 Six Nations. Representing my country and wearing the rose is a huge honour.
“I’m looking forward to building on the momentum from a strong season with Chiefs and making the most of this opportunity.”
Having arrived at Sandy Park via Gloucester Hartpury after captaining the Cardiff University’s women’s side, Dare has made 16 appearances for Chiefs, scoring her first try for the club on their PWR last run-out against Leicester Tigers Women.
Exeter College’s Honey Kerslake could also get her first U21s cap, fresh off the back of co-captaining the U18s in their Six Nations festival, after being named on the bench.
England U21s will arrive in Edinburgh looking to build on their 17-29 victory over Spain’s senior women two weeks ago.
England U21s head coach LJ Lewis said: “Opening the Six Nations U21 Series is an exciting milestone for our pathway, and the squad has shown real courage and the right mindset coming out of a strong warm-up performance against Spain’s senior side.
“This tournament is a pivotal step in providing meaningful international game time, and we’re looking for the players to bring intensity in everything they do against Scotland.
“There’s a strong bond growing within this group, and Saturday is another great opportunity to see that come to life and grow on the field.”
England U21s
15 Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, uncapped)
14 Alice Bennett (Loughborough University, Peterborough RUFC, uncapped)
13 Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 2 caps)
12 Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 7 caps)
11 Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 1 cap) *
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 Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, uncapped)
5 Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, 2 caps)
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 Maddy Page (Harlequins, Buckingham RFC, 2 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 Jodie Verghese (Saracens, Thurrock RFC, uncapped) *
21 Honey Kerslake (Nolli Waterman PDG, Exeter College, uncapped)
22 Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, 2 caps)
23 Millie Hyett (Bristol Bears, Evesham RFC, 8 caps)
*denotes an U23s player
Written By:
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club
