England Women U20 to visit Canada for three-game series

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed a 26-member squad for England Women U20 side that will tour Canada for a three-game series in August.

The series will kick-off on 10th August where they face Canada U20 side while the final two games have been scheduled on 14th and 18th August with Acadia University being the venue for all the three matches.

England Women U20 head coach Jo Yapp said “The tour to Canada presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to develop players that are coming through the pathway. With an international tour, playing and training outside of familiar environments, brings new and unique challenges both on and off the pitch for young players to adapt to. Playing Canada away will be a tough and exciting opportunity for the selected squad and one we are really looking forward to.”

Nicky Ponsford, RFU Head of Women’s Performance said: “As part of the new Women and Girls strategic plan we are committed to increasing quality playing opportunities for players at U20 level. This season we have already delivered more training camps for the U20’s and the tour to Canada is further testament to our commitment to growing the women’s game. It’s an exciting opportunity for this squad.”

"We're delighted to be bringing international rugby to Halifax as part of our Under-20 Women's Series against England this Summer," said Meaghan Howat, Director of Rugby Sevens and Women's Rugby.

"These fixtures are important for Canada's Women's Rugby Program to assess and develop the next generation of athletes as we continue building towards the next Women's Rugby World Cup in 2021 and we welcome the challenge that England will bring in this three-match series."

The last time these two teams met was a three-game series at Nottingham in 2016 which England Women went on to win 3-0.

Schedule for England Women U20 tour of Canada

10th August, Friday - Canada Women U20 v England Women U20, Acadia University, Nova Scotia
14th August, Tuesday - Canada Women U20 v England Women U20, Acadia University, Nova Scotia
18th August, Saturday - Canada Women U20 v England Women U20, Acadia University, Nova Scotia