Kerslake called up to England U21s squad

Exeter College’s back-row Honey Kerslake has been called up to the England U21s 34-player development camp in Bristol.

A current England U18s player, she has been invited to join the camp ahead of the U21s Six Nations.

Kerslake will join Exeter Chiefs Women’s Zoë Dare and Lilly Plowman, plus Francesca Welsher from the University of Exeter.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s head coach Steve Salvin said: “Honey is an outstanding player who has clearly caught eyes of the England U21s coaches. Her inclusion for this camp further highlights the success of the Exeter College rugby programme. Lilly also went to the college before heading to the university. We wish all the Exeter-based players well for the camp and beyond.”

David Kimberley, head of women’s rugby at Exeter College, said: “All at Exeter College are delighted about Honey's inclusion in the U21s programme. Honey has an amazing attitude and work ethic towards rugby and the invitation to camp is just rewards for her dedication over the last two years with us.

“As our captain, Honey leads by example both on and off the field and is a fantastic role model to all our students. She has shown her physical presence throughout the ACE League and deserves the call-up where we hope her development continues.”

The three-day training block at Shaftesbury Park, home of Dings Crusaders RFC and Bristol Bears Women.

Head coach LJ Lewis and assistant coach Sarah McKenna will be supported with coaching from across the Women’s Pathway, including Louis Deacon, Jo Yapp and James Cooper.

McKenna said: “This is our final camp together before the spring fixture block, so the focus is on maintaining intensity in every session. We want to put players under pressure that reflects the demands of the games ahead, while continuing to build clarity around our pathway DNA.

“With those fixtures now within touching distance, there’s a real sense of excitement in the group. Each time we come together, that energy strengthens bonds and deepens the trust and understanding across the squad.

“That trust gives players the confidence to make courageous choices and win moments on the pitch. They’ve led themselves exceptionally well so far and have given themselves every opportunity to turn their preparation into performances the women’s pathway and our Red Roses supporters can be proud of.” 

England U21 Women’s 2026 Six Nations Series fixtures

Round 1 - Scotland vs. England – Saturday, 18 April – KO 11:00 – Hive Stadium, Edinburgh

Round 2 - England vs. Ireland – Saturday, 2 May – KO 15:00 – Butts Park Arena, Coventry

Round 3 - England vs. France – Sunday, 10 May – KO 15:00 – Goldington Road, Bedford

Tickets to England’s Six Nations Women’s U21 Series home fixtures against Ireland and France are available now.

Forwards

Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, 3 caps)

Tamsin Baynes (Loughborough Lightning, Market Harborough RFC, uncapped)

Zoë Dare (Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC, uncapped)

Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, 2 caps)

Zara Green (Harlequins, Lewes RFC, 2 caps)

Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, Easts Tigers Rugby Union, uncapped)

Aisha Jah (Bristol Bears, Mansfield, uncapped)

Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, Ealing Trailfinders, uncapped)

Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, uncapped)

Honey Kerslake (Nolli Waterman PDG, Exeter College, 4 caps)

Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, Worcester RFC, 2 caps)

Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 3 caps)

Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, Wimbledon RFC, 5 caps)

Maddy Page (Harlequins, Buckingham RFC, 2 caps)

Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 2 caps)

Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, Crediton RFC, uncapped)

Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, 3 caps)

Ellie Wilson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Gosford All Blacks, uncapped)

Ruby Winstanley (Harlequins, Guildfordians RFC, uncapped)


Backs

Ashton Adcock (Loughborough Lightning, Tamworth, 1 cap)

Lauren Bailey (Bristol Bears, Dings Crusaders, uncapped)

Alice Bennett (Loughborough University, Peterborough RUFC, uncapped)

Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 2 caps)

Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 7 caps)

Natalee Evans (Bristol Bears, Shrewsbury RFC, uncapped)

Josephine Harris (Bristol Bears, Chinnor, uncapped)

Millie Hyett (Gloucester-Hartpury, Evesham RFC, 8 caps)

Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, 2 caps)

Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 7 caps)

Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 7 caps)

Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, uncapped)

Jo Vosakiwaiwai (Harlequins, Andover RFC, uncapped)

Francesca Welsher (Exeter University, Winscombe, uncapped)

Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 1 cap)