by A special session with Jamie George has helped the Red Roses in their preparations for Saturday’s Women’s Six Nations final with rugby in Wales.
The England men’s captain was in camp on Wednesday helping the quartet of hurlers in England’s squad for the tournament.
George offered to help after working with Red Roses head coach John Mitchell during New Zealand as assistant to Eddie Jones.
George, 33, also helped out with Saracens Women during his time at the club when schedules allowed, and offered to assist Mitchell when he was appointed last year.
“I’ve worked with Jamie before,” Mitchell explained after making seven changes to his side for Saturday’s game in Bristol. “He’s a good person. He’s one of the lads I enjoyed when I was in the environment and he’s still been close to him ever since.
“I was not forced or pressured. I kept in touch and wished him well for the Six Nations. Way back when I got this role, he said if you ever need any help, just sing out. He was the one who inspired him for this situation. We made it work and I think the girls enjoyed it.
“We can have good cross-pollination between men’s and women’s players in specialist positions. It’s not something we do in abundance, but the call of the nines will probably benefit from some kicking links as well. It’s a starting point, which is great.”
England enjoyed a comprehensive 48-0 win over Italy in round one despite the early promotion of Sarah Beckett, who was handed a three-match ban.
Mitchell named three specialist hurlers in his squad for the women’s championship in Lark Atkin-Davies, Amy Cokayne and Connie Powell. May Campbell was also in camp as injury cover for Cokayne and worked closely with George at Saracens.
The Red Roses continue to benefit from the support of Brian Ashton, who guided England’s men to the World Cup final in 2007, as part of a larger coaching support network helping to develop young assistants Sarah Hunter, Lou Meadows and Louis Deacon. Scrum coach Nathan Catt also provided instruction to England’s front row during the tournament.
Lock Zoe Aldcroft will receive her 50th cap at Ashton Gate on Saturday with Mitchell rotating as he continues to assess his squad.
Aldcroft, named World Player of the Year in 2021, remains in the second row with Gloucester team-mate Alex Matthews in place of the suspended Beckett at number eight.
Leader Maud Muir and lock Rosie Galligan are promoted into the starting five, while Tatyana Heard and Meg Jones form a new center partnership outside Holly Aitchison.
Among the replacements, substitute Sydney Gregson is making her first Red Roses appearance since 2015 after a horror run of injuries.
“It shows his resilience,” captain Marlie Packer said of Saracens teammate Gregson. “To keep from getting hurt, it’s great to fight back and knock on the door.
“The way she has played for Saracens this season after doing her ACL shows what an incredible player she is.”
Strong ticket sales for the outfit should make for a good atmosphere and a crowd of around 20,000 is expected.
Its proximity to the Welsh border should ensure some traveling support, with Ioan Cunningham’s side looking to bounce back from Scotland’s narrow opening defeat.
“We don’t think about it going into the game, but when you get there and start doing your warm-up, there’s a real buzz around the stadium,” Packer added. “I know Ashton Gate will have that buzz. You feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand out and you really feel like you’re in a Test match. It should be a very good atmosphere and we will continue to grow during this tournament.”
Red Roses side to play Wales at Ashton Gate (4.45pm GMT, Saturday 30 March)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 43 caps)
2 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 55 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 26 caps)
4 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 49 caps)
5 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 14 caps)
6 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 14 caps)
7 Marlie Packer (Saracens, 100 caps) – captain
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 63 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 68 caps)
10 Cullen Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 26 caps)
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 34 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 18 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 41 caps)
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 39 caps)
Replacements:
16 Connie Powell (Harlequins, 15 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 11 caps)
18 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 4 caps)
19 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 1 cap)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 17 caps)
22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 47 caps)
23 Sydney Gregson (Saracens, 3 caps)
