Chiefs full-back Merryn Doidge to make England 7s Debut
By Harry Scott-Munro
26/04/22
Exeter Chiefs fullback Merryn Doidge will make her England 7s debut this weekend in Langford
The young gun has been an integral part of Susie Appleby’s Exeter Chiefs team for the past two years, alongside her studies, and has previously represented England U20s as well as bring part of senior Red Roses training squads.
Having started in the Allianz Cup final victory on Saturday, Doidge will now link up with the 7s side to make her 7s debut for the first time, having impressed Head Coach James Rodwell in camp.
England have been drawn in Pool C and will face New Zealand, Fiji and USA on day one at Starlight Stadium.
Abbie Brown captains the group with core players Ellie Boatman, Abi Burton, Heather Cowell, Grace Crompton, Alicia Maude, Isla Norman Bell, Emma Uren and Amy Wilson Hardy also included.
Jodie Ounsley is set for her first sevens appearance since February 2020 while Worcester Warriors’ Jade Shekells, Doidge and DMP Durham Sharks’ Lauren Torley are set for their World Series debuts and maiden England Sevens caps.
"We have some really talented players in the under 20s programme who have joined us in camps in recent weeks which has made selection tough for Langford," said Rodwell. "We have real quality coming through within the women’s game and English rugby and it’s been exciting to see them in camp with us.
"We are in a tough pool where we welcome New Zealand and Fiji back to the World Sevens Series and for us as a group this is another chance to learn and grow together as we build throughout the season towards the Commonwealth Games."
Speaking on her selection, Doidge was understandably enjoying learning off of seasoned sevens players in a new environment and was looking forward to testing herself on the world stage.
"Training has been so good and all the girls and staff are great. I’ve enjoyed learning new skills and I love challenging myself- why something was good but how could I do better next time. The camps have developed me massively as a player and a person. I’m super excited to be going out to Langford to play in a World Series! It’s an amazing opportunity which I’m massively grateful for and something I am really proud to be a part of. We’ve got a hard week coming up, but I look forward to training and then taking the field with the girls."
England currently sit 7th in the standings, having picked up their best result of the season with a third-place finish in Seville last time out.