TEENAGER Alice Richardson is in line for a first England cap after being named in the women's squad for their tour of New Zealand.

The fly-half is one of four Worcester players in the party of 28 that will face Samoa, New Zealand 'A' and two tests against the Black Ferns over a gruelling 11-day period.

She will be joined by Nicky Crawford, Kim Shaylor and Jo Yapp as England prepare for the 2006 World Cup in Canada.

Head coach Geoff Richardson said: "I am delighted to have been able to include Alice in the squad. To some she may be a surprise inclusion but she has developed as a player tremendously over the last few months. This will be an exciting opportunity for her.

"This tour is very important from the perspective of us finding out where we stand in comparison to New Zealand, who are the reigning world champions. It is important to see how our players can perform against them.

"There are some new faces in the squad who will not have played against the Black Ferns before and this will be an opportunity for them and the rest of the squad to pit themselves against some of the best players in the world.

England Women last played New Zealand in the 2004 Churchill Cup in Canada, losing 34-0.

Richards added: "I have never come across a bad New Zealand team. They will be very strong. I know they have been experimenting and developing new players on their recent tour to Canada but so have we. This will be our opportunity to turn ar-ound the defeat in Canada."