Middleton warns of tough competition for new Red Roses contracts
England head coach Simon Middleton warned players in the Tyrrells Premier 15s that competition for full-time England contracts would “continue to increase” after the latest cohort of Red Roses players on professional deals was unveiled.
Amber Reed is one of five new players to be contracted full-time in just the second round of professional XVS contracts handed out by the Rugby Football Union, which run until August 2021.
The Bristol Bears centre returned to the England fold against the Barbarians in June, before winning her 50th cap in the summer’s Super Series in San Diego after missing the majority of last season through injury. Players from Saracens, Harlequins and Loughborough Lightning – the top three sides in the regular Premier 15s last season – make up 21 of the 28 contracted players. Scrum-half Claudia Macdonald is the only Wasps player while Harlequins’ Emily Scott has been upgraded to full time.
Saracens prop Bryony Cleall joins twin sister Poppy in graduating to full-time status.
“The quality of the players has meant the competition for contracts has and will continue to increase which will only be a positive as we build up to the 2021 World Cup,” said Middleton.
A glaring omission from Middleton’s squad is 2017 World Cup finalist and Harlequins captain Rachael Burford, while former Richmond captain Rowena Burnfield also misses out.
Middleton added: “Last season, a number of players surfaced within the league who were showing great potential and we felt it would be wrong not to look at them.” Forwards Zoe Aldcroft Beckett Sarah Bern Hannah Botterman Shaunagh Brown
Amy Cokayne Cornborough
Sarah Hunter O’ Donnell
Backs Jess Breach
Vickii Lark Davies Vicky Fleetwood
Katy Daley-mclean Zoe Harrison
Natasha Hunt Claudia Macdonald Amber Reed Leanne Riley Poppy Cleall
Abbie Scott
Kelly Smith Lydia Thompson Lagi Tuima Sarah Bryony Cleall Cath Marlie Packer
Sarah Mckenna
Emily Scarratt Emily Scott