Street, in his first season in charge, has named an exciting squad which includes 12 newcomers. The 44 players will be selected to play for England or England A. Both teams will take on the USA in December while England will also look to defend their RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam title for a third year on the bounce in February.
Street said: “This is a very exciting, fresh squad of players that I am relishing working with over the season. We have a real mix of short term and long term potential, with one eye on the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“In total there are 12 new faces in the squad. They’re all showing great potential and have put their hands up over the summer, playing club rugby and most recently in England trials. Now they have to make the next step-up.
“The players will have their first chance to show what they can do when we play the US on December 12th (England A) and December 15th (England) at London Irish’s Sunbury ground. These will be two tough international fixtures that will also help us select our Six Nations squad.”
There are three notable exclusions from the squad. England captain Sue Day has retired after an illustrious rugby career which has included RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam titles and three Rugby World Cups.
England fly-half Karen Andrew has also hung up her international rugby boots after six seasons of running out for the red roses as has wing Emily Cook, who amassed 33 caps after making her international debut in 1999.
Street added: “I would like to thank Sue, Karen and Emily for their commitment and effort during the several years they have been involved in international rugby. They have all been outstanding players for England and ambassadors for the game. We all wish them all the best for the future.”
Richmond duo Karen Jones and Alice Richardson have also been welcomed back into the squad after a year out.
ENGLAND WOMEN’S ELITE SQUAD 2007/2008
Claire Allen Centre Saracens
Margaret Alphonsi Flanker Saracens
*Sara Anastasi Lock Richmond
Charlotte Barras Full-back Saracens
Sarah Beale No. 8/lock Leos
Natalie Binstead Lock Wasps
Rachael Burford Centre Saracens
Rochelle Clark Prop Henley
Rosemarie CrowleyProp Lichfield
Samantha Dale Hooker Worcester
Becky Essex Second & back-row Richmond
Amy Garnett Hooker Saracens
Sophie Hemming Prop Clifton
Sarah Hunter Back-row Lichfield
*Vicki Jackson Full-back/centre Lichfield
*Samantha JamiesonHooker Darlington Mowden Sharks
Karen Jones Back-row Richmond
Emma Layland Hooker Richmond
*Tina Lee Centre Clifton
Jane Leonard Back-row Wasps/Army
Vicky Massarella Full-back/centre Saracens
*Fran Matthews Centre Richmond
*Joanna McGilchrist Lock Wasps
Katy McLean Fly-half Darlington Mowden Sharks
Katherine Merchant Wing Worcester
Amber Penrith Wing Cardiff Quins
Fiona Pocock Wing Richmond
*Helen Price Wing Waterloo
*Claire Purdy Prop Wasps
Shelley Rae Fly-half Wasps
Alice Richardson Fly-half Richmond
Georgina Roberts Centre Darlington Mowden Sharks
Georgina Rozario Scrum-half Plymouth Albion
*Gemma Sharples Flanker Worcester
*Heidi Shelburg No.8 Wasps
Harriet Slynn Scrum-half Richmond
*Katherine Smith Prop Richmond
Catherine Spencer No.8 Worcester
Michaela Staniford Centre Wasps
*Alexandra Stevens Lock Lichfield
Katy Storie Prop Blaydon
Tamara Taylor Lock Darlington Mowden Sharks
Amy Turner Scrum-half Richmond
Danielle Waterman Wing Clifton
*new England Elite Squad member
