Richardson to skipper England at Euros

England womens Sevens head coach Barry Maddocks has named Alice Richardson(pictured)as his captain for the first leg of the European Womens Sevens Series in the Netherlands on June 16-17.

Richardson takes over from regular skipper Michaela Staniford who is being rested ahead of the second round later this month in Moscow (June 30-July 1st), which also doubles up as a Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 qualifying event.

Richardson, who has 32 caps in the XVs game, will lead a side which includes two players making their England Sevens debuts. Darlington Mowden Park Sharks Ruth Laybourn and Bristols Sally Tuson has been involved in the Sevens set-up for a year, and most recently made their England XVs debut in last months European Championship.

Heather Fisher, Sarah Guest and Emily Scarratt also return to the squad, while Danielle Waterman, who recently returned from injury to compete in the XVs European Championship, has been named as vice-captain. There is also a call-up for Jane Leonard, who returns after a long injury lay-off.

England are the top seeds at the tournament which will be held over two days on Ameland Island.

For the first time, the European title will be awarded on points based on two tournaments the second being in Moscow. In Moscow the Top 12 sides from Ameland will be joined by the four European Qualifiers from tournaments being played this weekend though those four sides cannot compete for the title of European Champions as this is based on the points from both tournaments.

England have been drawn in Pool A and will face France, Russia, Italy, Switzerland and Sweden in a competitive group.

Maddocks said: Once again we have made some changes to this squad, resting players such as Michaela Staniford and Joanne Watmore, and at the same time bringing in some new players to the fold, who have recently impressed in the XVs game. Alice Richardson will captain the side and this will be her chance to bring her leadership skills to the fore.

This is another tough pool for us and we will undoubtedly be tested. Italy are a good footballing side, Russia are strong athletes who are always difficult to play against whilst France can be seriously impressive on their day. Well certainly need to take our opportunities to rack up as many points as we can ahead of the second round in Moscow.

England

Natasha Brennan (Wasps)Rachael Burford (Richmond)Heather Fisher (Worcester)Kate Hancock (Plymouth Albion)Natasha Hunt (Lichfield)SarahGuest(Worcester)Ruth Laybourn (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks)Jane Leonard (Wasps)Alice Richardson (C) (Richmond)Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)Sally Tuson (Bristol)Danielle Waterman (VC) (Worcester)