England’s women face a huge rebuilding job in time for the next Six Nations championship, and World Cup winning centre Emily Scarratt believes this autumn will be crucial for the side.
After lifting the women’s World Cup back in 2014 and losing a number of experienced heads to retirement, England finished fourth in the last women’s Six Nations with only victories over Scotland and Italy to show for their trouble.
It was the first time England had ever finished in the bottom half of the table since the competition began, and now the Red Rose have gone an unprecedented three years without an overall victory.
But with autumn internationals fast approaching, and women’s Six Nations champions Ireland first up at the Stoop, Scarratt is confident her side can turn a corner.
“I would love to think that The Stoop can become a fortress for England Women’s rugby,” Scarratt told Harlequins’ official website.
“Every time I play here it feels like home which is really nice to have a stadium to come and do that at.
“The girls are prepping for the autumn and they are really excited to get out at The Stoop and represent their country again and play Ireland, which is going to be a huge task after the last Six Nations.
“The Autumn International Series is hugely important for blooding the youth and getting them experience ahead of the next Six Nations and ultimately the World Cup in 2018.
“We have seen how important it is for the younger players to play Test level rugby – you simply don’t get that experience without playing it.
“It’s really important for them and the team as whole to have home support at The Stoop and the match should see a really good mix of youngsters and some really experienced heads as well which bodes well for the team against a talented and motivated Irish side.”
