Scarratt leads Slam mission

ENGLAND go into battle seeking a second successive Grand Slam without captain Sarah Hunter who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

- SAM JACKSON

England, who have not played since the tournament was interrupted in March, won the title last Sunday after France failed to beat Scotland.

Centre Emily Scarratt will lead the side against Italy in the absence of Hunter.

England head coach Simon Middleton said he was “disappointed” to leave out Hunter but explained he wanted her to “recover properly” with “a big year ahead”, referencing the World Cup that takes place in 11 months’ time.

Scrum-half Natasha Hunt has withdrawn from the squad after returning a positive Covid-19 test but flanker Marlie Packer is in the matchday 23 after nine months out.

Gloucester-Hartpury captain Hunt will isolate for ten days before undertaking a seven-day return to play programme. Wasps’ Claudia MacDonald will now start at scrumhalf while Leanne Riley joins the group and takes her place on the bench.