Hunt and Beckett return to England squad for 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations
The Gloucester-Hartpury pair were both omitted from head coach Simon Middleton’s squad for the 2021 Rugby World Cup but return to the fold following strong performances at domestic level.
Also recalled to Middleton’s 42-player squad are Amber Reed and Bryony Cleall, while nine uncapped players are named including Saracens front-rowers May Campbell and Kelsey Clifford.
With regular props Hannah Botterman and Vickii Cornborough already sidelined, England’s latest injury blow came on Wednesday when fly-half Zoe Harrison was announced to have suffered an ACL injury during Saracens’ Allianz Premier 15s clash with Harlequins.
Meanwhile, Marlie Packer has been promoted to the role of co-captain, a responsibility she will share with Sarah Hunter.
Regular vice-captain Emily Scarratt is unavailable due to injury as is second row Abbie Ward who is pregnant, but both will be with the group for set days throughout the tournament to support with the coaching delivery.
England begin their Championship against Scotland at Kingston Park before hosting Italy in Northampton in Round 2.
They then travel to Wales after the fallow week and continue on the road in Round 4 against Ireland.
Middleton’s side then kick off ‘Super Saturday’ against France at Twickenham, in what could be a record attendance for a women’s international.
Speaking ahead of his final campaign in charge after eight years at the helm, Middleton said: “Although this is a short World Cup cycle there is a bit of a regeneration of the squad.
“Looking at our squad, it probably wouldn’t be that big without some of the injuries we’ve got, with some fairly high-profile names missing.
“That has given us a great opportunity to bring more younger players in who have excelled in the Allianz Premier 15s and some of the more senior players, like Ellie Rugman, who have been knocking on the door for a while.
“It’s a very different squad to what we’ve named previously, we’ve had a very consistent squad for quite a long time but it’s a very exciting group to work with and gives us a great challenge as a management team because it’s not just about the talent but the ages of the group as well.
“The Six Nations is one of the most iconic tournaments in world rugby that we love participating in. We also recognise that it’s an important start point in terms of preparation for the 2025 World Cup.
“Spectators will see competitive games across the board and we can’t wait to get started.”
England 2023 TikTok Women’s Six Nations squad
ForwardsZoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 38 caps)Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury, 25 caps)Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 52 caps)May Campbell (Saracens, uncapped)Bryony Cleall (Harlequins, 7 caps)Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 63 caps)Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, uncapped)Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 70 caps)Liz Crake (Wasps, uncapped)Lark Davies (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)Rosie Galligan (Harlequins, 9 caps)Detysha Harper (Loughborough Lightning, 5 caps)Sarah Hunter (CC; Loughborough Lightning, 140 caps)Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)Poppy Leitch (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 56 caps)Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 24 caps)Marlie Packer (CC; Saracens, 89 caps)Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury, 7 caps)Emily Robinson (Harlequins, uncapped)Hannah Sims (Harlequins, uncapped)
Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning, 5 caps)
BacksHolly Aitchison (Saracens, 15 caps)Jess Breach (Saracens, 24 caps)Abby Dow (Harlequins, 30 caps)Elizabeth Duffy (Sale Sharks, uncapped)Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 9 caps)Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 60 caps)Leanne Infante (Saracens, 57 caps)Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 31 caps)Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 24 caps)Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)Sarah McKenna (Saracens, 43 caps)Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 9 caps)Amber Reed (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 22 caps)Ellie Rugman (Gloucester-Hartpury, uncapped)Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 2 caps)Lydia Thompson (Worcester Warriors, 58 caps)Lagi Tuima (Harlequins, 12 caps)
Ella Wyrwas (Saracens, uncapped)
Players unavailable for selection: Hannah Botterman (knee), Vickii Cornborough (personal reasons), Vicky Fleetwood (ankle), Laura Keates (anterior cruciate ligament), Zoe Harrison (anterior cruciate ligament), Emily Scarratt (neck and ankle), Abbie Ward (pregnancy).
