England Womens team announced for Ireland Presidents XV clash
England Head Coach Gary Street has named an experienced line-up for the match that will see Bristol Ladies No. 8 Catherine Spencer lead the side into their first international of the season.
England youngsters Emily Scarratt (Lichfield) and Francesca Matthews (Richmond) have been named in the starting line-up after impressive performances during England's successful Nations Cup campaign. Richmond's Rowena Burnfield and Rebecca Essex are also on the bench for the first time and if they get a start will earn their first cap.
The game will be paramount to England's preparations ahead of their defence of the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in February. England will go into that tournament hoping to add a fourth consecutive Six Nations crown.
England Head Coach Gary Street said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us pre-Christmas to look at our players and our new combinations with the RBS 6 Nations just around the corner.
"We have got two players in Rowena Burnfield and Becky Essex who could make their debuts on Saturday so I am looking forward to seeing them in action, as well as playing against an Ireland team, who last season were our most improved opponents. I am sure they'll give us a stiff challenge."
