MacDonald starts in World Cup opener

By Mark Stevens
5/10/22

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Claudia MacDonald will start for England Women in their Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji on Saturday, kick-off 4.45pm New Zealand time/4.45am UK time.

The 26-year-old, who joined Susie Appleby’s side this summer from Wasps, will start on the wing for Simon Middleton’s squad, who head into their Pool C clash on the back of a 25-game winning streak.

MacDonald, who will win her 21st Test cap, lines-up in an exciting back three, which includes Harlequins full-back Ellie Kildunne and Worcester’s Lydia Thompson.No.8 Sarah Hunter captains the side with outside centre Emily Scarratt as vice-captain.

Ahead of their opening fixture, Middleton said: “We’ve received a brilliant welcome in New Zealand and the welcome ceremony on Monday was a spectacular occasion. There was incredible energy and enthusiasm in the room and it was an event we will all remember.

“We’ve selected an experienced match-day 23 who we feel are in a good position to get our campaign off to a strong start. We know we could have selected any of the wider squad and there are nine players this week with a key supporting role.

“It’s a privilege to come up against a team in their first-ever World Cup match. We know they have talented players and we’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s great to hear over 30,000 tickets have been sold for the opening day too.

“I’m really pleased with the group effort in training and we can’t wait to get started at an iconic venue in Eden Park on Saturday.”

ENGLAND SQUAD TO FACE FIJI

15. Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 25 caps)
14. Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors, 54 caps)
13. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 103 caps)
12. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 17 caps)
11. Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 20 caps)
10. Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 40 caps)
9. Leanne Infante (Saracens, 52 caps)
1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins, 70 caps)
2. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 64 caps)
3. Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 46 caps)
4. Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 32 caps)
5. Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 56 caps)
6. Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 51 caps)
7. Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps)
8. Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning, capt, 135 caps)

16. Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury, 5 caps)
17. Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 30 caps)
18. Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 11 caps)
19. Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 20 caps)
20. Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 57 caps)
21. Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 5 caps)
22. Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 10 caps)
23. Abby Dow (Wasps, 24 caps)