England Women have been drawn against the USA, Russia and Japan in Pool B of the inaugural Women's IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens, which takes place alongside the men's world cup in Dubai from March 5th - 7th.
England, coached by England 7s greats Simon Amor and Mike Friday, have been drawn in one of the toughest pools of the women's tournament according to Head Coach Amor.
Amor said: "We saw Russia play in the European 7s, and they proved to be a real tough side. Although we've never played them it was obvious that they have got some real talent, with some powerful forwards and some really quick players.
"The USA are also one of our biggest rivals. They are a side we have played a few times and they are a threat, they have a great tradition in sevens rugby.
"It's an exciting pool, and although one of the toughest pools of the tournament, we hope to use that to our advantage and get our tournament campaign off to a flying start."
England head into the prestigious tournament in Dubai ranked number one after winning the European 7s, Home Nations Cup, London Emirates Airline 7s and the Dubai 7s.
Pool A: Australia, Netherlands, France, China
Pool B: England, Japan, Russia, USA
Pool C: Canada, Brazil, Spain, Thailand
Pool D: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Uganda
Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
Charlotte Barras Saracens
Sarah Beale Lichfield
Rachael Burford Saracens
Sue Day Wasps
Heather Fisher Wasps
Sonia Green Saracens
Emma Layland Richmond
Vicky Massarella Saracens
Katherine Merchant Worcester
Alice Richardson Richmond
Michaela Staniford Wasps
Amy Turner Richmond
Danielle Waterman Blaydon Team Northumbria
Joanne Yapp Worcester
