Gloucester-Hartpury Women return to Tyrrells Premier 15s action after the tournament has taken a break for the Autumn internationals, and Susie Appleby names a side which shows several changes from the last outing against Richmond.

A number of players are still away with the England and Wales squads, while the likes of Sasha Acheson and Shauna Bennett played for the England Women National Academy against Canada Women A on Wednesday evening.

In addition, experienced first teamers Bianca Blackburn and Courtney Gill are also sidelined by injury.

It’s a significant game in terms of league positions, with Wasps just one point ahead of Gloucester-Hartpury and with Bristol Bears Women one further point behind.

But Appleby is looking for some of the members of her squad who have been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to show what they can do.

"We are extremely proud to have four players in the England Autumn International squad and five with Wales, and we wish them all well in their final games. This coupled with some excellent individual performances by players for the Development team allows players an opportunity in the first team.

"Charlotte Faux, Emily Underwood, Sophie Tandy and India Berbillion all make their first starts this season, with Shya Pinnock, Milly Wallis, Jade Shekells and Bethany Randall set to come on as finishers.

"I’m really excited about the game tomorrow; we are able to field a strong side which shows the depth in our squad, and we are going to have a chance to see some new combinations.

"I’ve coached Emily Underwood before when we were at Bristol, she’s a very good player and brings experience to our young squad, she has fitted in really well.

"Charlotte is a powerful young flanker who has really benefitted from her summer in Canada. India is a good young player with excellent feet and distribution skills. She and Shauna play in the Hartpury BUCS team in the centres so, although this combination is new to the Premier Tyrrells 15s, it’s tried and tested. Sophie Tandy has been outstanding for the development side and I’m really pleased she gets her start this week alongside Shauna.

"Connie Powell and Sasha Acheson returning from injury is a huge bonus for the team. Our finishers include a mix of power, pace and experience, all will make a big impact on the game.

"Wasps are an excellent side and tomorrow will be a huge challenge for us. I’ve challenged the players to seize their opportunities and I think we are in for a really exciting game of rugby tomorrow."

Gloucester-Hartpury Women:

15. Mary Ann Gittings; 14. Sophie Tandy, 13. Shauna Bennett, 12. India Berbillion, 11. Dyddgu Hywel; 10. Ceri Large (capt), 9. Taz Bricknell; 1. Ellie Gilbert, 2. Connie Powell, 3. Sasha Acheson; 4. Emily Underwood, 5. Iona Antwis; 6. Charlotte Faux, 7. Tabs Copson, 8. Sian Williams

Replacements:

16. Katie Dougan, 17. Elle Febry, 18. Shya Pinnock, 19. Milly Wallis, 20. Sarah Nicholas, 21. Jade Shekells, 22. Bethany Randall