Lizell and Sasha confirmed in Nations Cup Squad

RFUW have announced today the squad for the U20 Nations Cup. As Lizell mentioned at the National 7s selection was not automatic - fitness tests were required - but it seems that both she and Sasha have both passed these and can now look forward to roughly two weeks of intensive training and rugby as part of England's bid to retain the U20 Nations Cup (see 2008 results here).

England will be up against the USA, Canada and Wales in what will be close to a U20 World Cup (especially as New Zealand have never played age group rugby) - it will certainly be a look ahead to many of the players who will be at the 2014 World Cup.

None of England's games will be easy, though it is difficult to see past their retaining the title (especially with the help of home advantage). The Welsh in particular have improved significantly over the past 12 months and will be a challenge to the North Americans. Canada (where, as we know, rugby is now a major sport for girls) are always a threat at all age groups, while the USA are a bit of an unknown having played little age group rugby since their tour of South Africa last year where they only drew the series 1-1.

In fact it was initially suggested by Canadian RFU contacts that South Africa were going to be involved, and in some respects it is a pity they are not. Opportunities for countries outside North America and western Europe to play any international rugby are so few and far between, and the South Africans looked so good against the USA, that it would have been good for the game's development if they could have taken part.

Fixtures for the tournament (to be played at Brunel University in north London) will be:

• July 9th: Wales vs. USA (5pm), Canada vs. England (7pm)
• July 12th: Canada vs. Wales (1.30pm), England vs. USA, (3.30pm)
• July 15th: Canada vs. USA (5pm), England vs. Wales, (7pm)
• July 18th: Third place play-off (1.30pm), Final (3.30pm)