Kingsholm date for Red Roses

KINGSHOLM will play host to the England Women’s side for the first time in the 2022 Women’s Six Nations.

Simon Middleton’s side will host Wales at Kingsholm on Saturday, April 9 (4.45pm).

England head coach Middleton said: “Kingsholm offers itself to both English and Welsh supporters. It’s a great venue full stop.

“The atmosphere at the Allianz Premier 15s final there earlier this year was tremendous.

“It’s a hotbed with a passionate and vociferous crowd. It’ll be fantastic to get another game into another one of England’s great rugby stadiums and cities.”

Gloucester Rugby chief executive Lance Bradley added: “Kingsholm is renowned for creating one of the best atmospheres in world rugby, and we know that our supporters will be hugely excited to welcome the England team to Gloucester.

“The women’s game is growing exponentially, and after hosting the Allianz Premier 15s final earlier this year, we are determined to continue to play our part in that growth.

“We are very proud of our Gloucesterhartpury side who continue to develop year on year, and we look forward to seeing several of our players representing both England and Wales in the clash at Kingsholm.”

Gloucester-hartpury’s Zoe Aldcroft, pictured left, captained England for the first time against the USA recently with teammate Connie Powell making her international debut, while Emma Sing was also in the autumn internationals squad.

Wales have several Gloucester-hartpury players in their squad, with Cerys Hale, Cara Hope, Gwen Crabb, Bethan Lewis, Kerin Lake, Hannah Jones and Robyn Wilkins all playing a part in the autumn games.