WORCESTER'S scrum-half Jo Yapp will captain England for the first time tonight when she takes to the field against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.

Yapp, 25, who has been captain of Worcester since 2003, is excited at the prospect of leading her country through the Six Nations.

"Although my name had been linked to the captaincy, it still came as a big surprise when Geoff Richards called and told me," she said.

"Leading your country is a massive honour, especially at a time when we have such a great squad.

"It is a really exciting time for England women's rugby, training has gone really well and I just hope we can put it into practice today against Wales."

Schoolteacher Yapp heralds from a true rugby family. She first picked up a rugby ball at the age of nine when introduced to the sport by her brother, Tony, who is a former Sixways star.

Jo plays alongside her sister, Lorna, at Worcester, with the club coached by dad Roddy.

England's head coach Richards said: "Jo's a fantastic player and although only 25, with 51 caps she is now one of the more experienced members of the squad.

"During her time with both Worcester and England she has developed into an exceptional leader who commands the respect of both players and coaches alike.

"I have no doubt she will do a great job throughout this Six Nations."

Paula George, who led England during the Autumn Internationals, was thanked for her efforts by Richards.

"Paula has been a great captain for England both prior to and during the Autumn Internationals.

"She is still a key player in the England set-up and a valuable member of an exciting back line. Since moving to inside centre she has found a new lease of life that has enabled her to rediscover the form that catapulted her to the top of international women's rugby in 2002.

"We would like to thank Paula for all her work as England captain, but it is time to move on as we plan for the future and the 2006 World Cup."

Worcester's Kim Shaylor will also play for England against Wales tonight.