Fearless World Cup winning Red Roses enlist 11 uncapped players

England Under-20s wing Sophie Hopkins, who is combining a year abroad during her biochemistry degree with a season at French top-flight side Lyon, is among 11 uncapped players included in a 47-strong Red Roses training squad.

Four Trailfinders Women forwards - Jasmine Adonri, Haidee Head, Hayley Jones and Annabel Meta - are included as they seek to seek to win their first caps.

Loughborough Lightning’s 19-year-old number eight Haineala Lutui, who leads the PWR in carries so far this season, is promoted from the age-grade set-up, with Harlequins’ Nicole Wythe, part of the English top-flight’s team of the year last campaign, another back row call-up.

Whyte’s team-mate Sarah Parry is also rewarded for her good form, with the centre a key part of Quins’ rise to third in the table.

All 32 of the squad that won the Rugby World Cup in September are included, bar the retired Emily Scarratt and Abby Dow.

Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies, who is pregnant and expecting a child in June, will join up with the squad and follow a personalised training programme.