Worcester Valkyries prop Rochelle Clark is to equal Jason Leonard’s record of England caps in the opening match of the Old Mutual Wealth Series against France at Twickenham Stoop on November 9 (7.45pm).
Clark, who currently has 113 caps to her name, will become England’s joint most-capped player with 2003 World Cup winner Leonard if she comes off the bench against France.
There are two more Worcester players in the squad with Laura Keates in the starting line-up and Ceri Large on the bench.
Olympians Claire Allan (Saracens), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) and Danielle Waterman (Bristol) are named among the starting line up having recently returned from sevens.
Team GB captain Emily Scarratt misses out due to concussion, along with Amber Reed (Bristol), who has been ruled out of the series with an ankle injury.
England Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “This is a strong squad with a wealth of experience between them.
“France are a side we know well and will be tough. Preparation has gone well and our focus will be on executing the things we have worked on, to stick to our plan and we look forward to getting an exciting Old Mutual Wealth Series underway.”
Wednesday’s Test opens the first-ever sponsored women’s autumn series, with the Red Roses hosting two more home games, against the world’s number one side New Zealand on November 19 (Twickenham Stoop, KO 12pm) and Canada, ranked second in the world, on November 26 k(Twickenham Stadium, KO 5.05pm). England Women will play an away fixture against Ireland this Sunday at University College Dublin, KO 2pm