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England’s Women have announced their squad for the defence of their European Sevens title which is taking place in Russia next month.

Five capped players are included, although none of England's 2010 XV's World Cup players will be taking part in the Moscow tournament on July 10-11.

England will be led by experienced sevens specialists Sonia Green and Michaela Staniford who will both act as co-captains. Wasps wing Staniford was involved in last year's Rugby World Cup Sevens campaign in Dubai, which saw England win the Plate.

Many of the players selected have represented the Wooden Spoon side who were winners at the Women’s Open competitions at both RugbyRocks and West Country Sevens, both part of the National Sevens Series.

"We have got a nice blend of experience and up and coming players in this squad,” said coach Barry Maddocks.

“Both Sonia and Michaela are proven sevens players and they will lead the team well while the likes of Fran Matthews and Kim Oliver are England regulars.

“This will also be a great opportunity for the likes of Hannah Field and Rose Fong from the England Under 20s. Although this is our one and only sevens tournament of the season we are determined to retain our title,” added Maddocks who will be assisted by Susie Appleby at the tournament.

Europe’s top ten teams will be on show in Moscow, an event which England won last year beating Spain 20-12 in the final.

The defending champions will meet Sweden, Italy and Germany in Pool A on the opening day’s play (Saturday July 10). They will also play France the following day in the final pool match before the knock out stages commence.

Pool B features hosts Russia, Portugal, Spain, Finland and the Netherlands. Many of the Dutch players were part of the invitational WOP team, who lost out narrowly to Wooden Spoon in the final at the West Country.

England Women’s Sevens squad:

Sonia Green (Saracens), Gemma Sharples (Worcester, Michaela Staniford (Wasps), Hannah Field (Wasps
Sarah Guest Worcester, Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Jennifer Edwards (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Francesca Mathews Richmond, Kimberley Oliver (Bristol), Rose Fong (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks).