England women's rugby A team set to face Spain

18 March 2011

The England Women's A team are set to take on Spain this Saturday (kick-off 2pm) at Surrey Sports Park, with FREE ADMISSION to spectators and fans. The England team has also now been announced, with England looking for their first win of the season.

England A Coach Mike Barnett has made four changes to the side that narrowly lost 19-22 to the Nomads, the women's game equivalent of the Barbarians, in February.

Rugby World Cup player Michaela Staniford returns to the starting line-up after suffering a facial injury earlier this year while Victoria Fleetwood and Charlotte Male will start in the front row. Bristol's Isabelle Noel Smith also starts at flanker. Lichfield's Rosemarie Crowley will skipper the side.

Barnett, whose side will also compete in the European Trophy in April, said: "We have made the changes to give those players who didn't get a start against the Nomads a chance now. It's really important that we see as many players in action as possible ahead of the European Trophy in April.

Spain will be a tough test - Barnett

"That is a tournament we want to win so we need to be as best prepared as possible. It is also great to have Michaela back in the side. She will bring a lot of experience to a relatively young side."

Spain, who'll be sending their full international side, will also be contesting the European Trophy next month.

Barnett added: "Spain are always a very physical side so this will be a tough test. It will also be a good indication to see where we are with Spain also involved in the European Trophy.

"Although we were quite pleased with our game against the Nomads we know where we need to make the improvements. We made too many errors last time so we need to be more accurate, get control of the game and execute a consistent performance."