The Edmonton-based player missed out on the gold medal in 2006 when England lost narrowly to New Zealand in the XVs world cup final. Now Alphonsi has been brought into the sevens squad to help spearhead England's World Cup ambitions in the inaugural women's tournament which takes place in Dubai from March 6-7th. "Losing to New Zealand nearly three years ago really hurt, and when I think back to that final now, it still hurts," said Alphonsi, who was also voted the IRB's Female Personality of the Year after her performances in that world cup. "Now I am involved in a second world cup, so yes I do see this as another opportunity to go one better and hopefully help England bring the world cup home. It would be a dream come true for all the players here." Alphonsi was part of the England team that won the Dubai Sevens in November and the San Diego Sevens just last month. Wins like this for England has given the Red Roses the number one ranking for the world cup, but Alphonsi is adamant that come the start of the tournament ranking counts for nothing. She added: "We are obviously very excited to be here, but very focused at the same time. We are here to do a job. Preparations have been going really well, and I think we'll be in the best possible position we can be come Friday, but we have got a really tough pool, and then if and when we get to the knock-out stages we'll be up against the best teams women's rugby has to offer, and there is a lot of serious talent out there." England kick-off their world cup campaign against the USA on Friday and then play Russia and Japan on the same day. The quarter, semis and finals all take place on Saturday. England Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens Squad Sue Day Wasps Captain Maggie Alphonsi Saracens Heather Fisher Wasps Emma Layland Richmond Charlotte Barras Saracens Jo Yapp Worcester Danielle Waterman Blaydon Team Northumbria Alice Richardson Richmond Rachael Burford Saracens Claire Allan Saracens Michaela Staniford Wasps Katherine Merchant Worcester Non Playing Reserves: Sarah Beale Lichfield Amy Turner Richmond England Women's Playing Schedule: Friday March 6th England V USA, kick-off 9.12am GMT England V Russia, kick-off 12.08pm GMT England v Japan, kick-off 3.26pm, GMT Saturday March 7th Quarter, semi and final TBC |
