WORCESTER’S Joanne Watmore is set to make her England debut on Saturday against France at Esher RFC (6pm) in the first of England Women’s autumn international test matches.

Watmore, a seasoned England Sevens and former Great Britain Rugby League player, is on the bench after a late injury to Bristol’s Sally Tuson.

Saturday’s clash will also see the return from a lengthy injury lay-off of Worcester flanker Heather Fisher to XVs rugby, who hasn't run out for England since the 2011 Nations Cup.

Another Worcester star, full-back Danielle Waterman, has been named as vice-captain, while Sixways team-mates props Rochelle Clark and Laura Keates and fly-half Ceri Large all join Watmore on the bench.

England head coach Gary Street, whose side also play world champions New Zealand on Nov 23, 27 and December 1, said: “The likes of Fisher, Jane Leonard and Fran Mathews have been playing international sevens, they have not played XVs for quite some time so it’s great to have them back in the fold.

“Both Fisher and Leonard are physical, powerful and exciting players that will bring a lot of impact, alongside Sarah Hunter, in our back row.”