Middleton calls up seven new caps for Canada

ENGLAND head coach Simon Middleton has named 18 Women’s World Cup runners-up in his 28strong squad to face Canada in a three-Test series in November.

Seven uncapped players – Jo Brown, Jess Breach, Abigail Dow, Zoe Harrison, Ellie Kildunne, Caity Mattinson and Lagi Tuima – are in the new squad.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt and fly-half Emily Scarratt are not involved after opting to play on the sevens circuit.

England were beaten by New Zealand in August’s World Cup final in Ireland.

“We indoctrinated a winning culture last season and we want to keep this winning mentality,” said Middleton.

“We know the challenge will be different this season. We have new additions to the squad, a good combination of experience but also some new and exciting talent.”

The Red Roses take on Canada at Allianz Park (November 17), Twickenham Stoop (November 21) and Twickenham (November 25).

The RFU also provided an update on the ongoing pay dispute with England’s women.

The governing body says it is “concluding discussions” with the Rugby Players’ Association on a pay structure for the women’s XV squad.

It says this will be finalised before the series begins and will include an annual squad fee and match fee for each game played.

In July, The Rugby Paper revealed that the contracts for England women’s XVs squad would not be renewed after the World Cup, and the organisation would switch its focus to sevens.