England took a big hit ahead of the Women’s Six Nations, with Zoe Harrison half eliminated with a torn ACL.
Harrison has established himself as Simon Middleton’s top 10 in 2022, but Independent After successfully undergoing surgery for a knee injury, he now realizes that he may miss the next nine months.
24 year old Who started the World Cup final in November?On 18 February, he was removed on a stretcher during the Saracens’ Premier 15 win against the Harlequins.
Middleton, who will step down as head coach after the campaign, will determine the final Red Roses roster in the role at 1pm on Thursday at Twickenham.
As England embark on a new World Cup cycle, Middleton likely faces a midfield dilemma, while a host of other potential missing players could lead to a fresher looking squad.
Loughborough Lightning quarterback Helena Rowland has not played since suffering a serious ankle injury in the World Cup semi-final against Canada, while centers Holly Aitchison and Emily ScarrattBoth have not been featured in their club lately, having previously been featured at halftime.
There could also be changes in the offensive half that could get Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt back on the pitch. Hunt responded to his controversial omission from the group traveling to New Zealand for the World Cup, creating an excellent season that allowed Gloucester-Hartpury to become Premier 15s contenders.
Longtime captain Sarah Hunter Lock Abbie Ward, the potential successor to number eight as England captain, recently announced her pregnancy, stating that this would be her last Six Nations.
Meanwhile, Recruitment continues for Middleton’s successor. The job was recently posted on LinkedIn – while the Rugby Football Union (RFU) is planning succession, it appears the union is keen to make sure they consider potential candidates who have not been identified before.
Louis Deacon, who is currently the striker coach, is thought to be a contender for the role on the Red Roses show through 2025. Who can step up from the home game to take on the role of England.
Middleton’s other senior assistant, coach Scott Bernand, will leave at the conclusion of the 2023 Women’s Six Nations campaign.
England start their championship against Scotland on 25 March in Newcastle and Twickenham is closing the Six Nations against France as they host an independent England Women’s match for the first time on 29 April.