England name Rugby World Cup 7s Training Squad

For the first time ever, a dedicated training squad, selected from the Elite Playing Squad (EPS), has been named six months out from the tournament, which will take place in Moscow from June 28-30.

Starting in January, the squad will come together every week for training led by Barry Maddocks and Susie Appleby with support from England Womens EPS Coaches Gary Street and Graham Smith and other RFU National Academy Coaches.

The 17 players chosen are unlikely at this stage to feature during the 6 Nations, but if England are without players in certain positions through injuries they can be called up.

Nicky Ponsford, the RFUs Head of Performance (Women), said: We had a great year last season winning the IRB Challenge Cup in Hong Kong and London, but to try to emulate those achievements we have committed to Sevens as a priority leading into the 2013 RWC to give us the best possible chance of success.

To do this we have implemented a training programme which is a change from our previous preparation programmes as we will be bringing the squad together for centralised training on a regular basis rather than just prior to tournaments.

The players are not going full time but this shift means we will have regular weekly access to them. Its a huge commitment from the players who are still amateur and will therefore still have to work, but at the same time it is testament to their characters and dedication that every player is excited about this programme. We also have to thank their employers for their continued cooperation.

The squad includes eight survivors from the RWC Sevens in 2009, where England won the Plate. These include Claire Allan, Margaret Alphonsi, Rachel Burford, Heather Fisher(pictured), Katherine Merchant, Alice Richardson, Michaela Staniford and Danielle Waterman.

Players such as Emily Scarratt, Joanne Watmore, Natasha Hunt and Kay Wilson, who all impressed on the IRB Challenge Cup circuit last season, have also been included whilst Englands XVs Captain Katy McLean is also in the mix. Bristols Marlie Packer is the only player in this squad not to be capped at Sevens, but Packers impressive explosive and mobile performances in XVs this season has earned her this call-up.

Sister Alex and Fran Matthews are also included whilst Ruth Laybourns notable performance in Dubai last weekend in the opening round of the Sevens World Series sees her also in the final 17.

Maddocks said: I am really excited about this group of players and what they can bring as we prepare for the RWC Sevens. Myself and Susie Appleby know that we have got a lot of depth and experience in this squad, and that actually none of them will be able to take their place in the final 12-woman RWC squad for granted.

At the same time it has also been incredibly hard to whittle this group down to just 17. There are many players out there who came so close to getting in and there have been some tough calls to make.

All but one member of this squad has played Sevens for England, and several of them played on last seasons IRB Challenge Cup circuit which saw us win two out of the three tournaments. We know that this is a strong squad and with more access than ever to this group of players we hope to be real contenders in Moscow.

England RWC Sevens Training Squad:

Claire Allan (Richmond)Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens)Rachael Burford (Thurrock)Heather Fisher (Worcester)Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)Ruth Laybourn (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)Alex Matthews (Richmond)Fran Matthews (Richmond)Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)Kat Merchant (Worcester)Marlie Packer (Bristol)Alice Richardson (Richmond)Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)Michaela Staniford (Wasps)Danielle Waterman (Worcester)Joanne Watmore (Worcester)Kay Wilson (Bristol)

IRB Womens Sevens World Series & RWC Sevens

Round 1 UAE: Dubai, November 30 December 1, 2012 7he Sevens Stadium

Round 2 USA: Houston, Texas, 1-2 February, 2013 - BBVA Compass Stadium

Round 3 China: Guangzhou, 30-31 March 2013 - Guangzhou University Town Stadium

Round 4 Netherlands: Amsterdam, 17-18 May 2013 - NRCA Stadium

RWC Sevens Moscow 28-30 June, 2013.