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Spain next up for England A

England's Katy Storie and Karen Jones will make their international returns this Sunday when England A take on Spain in Gijon.

Team Northumbria prop Storie and Worcester No. 8 Karen Jones, who have 54 caps between them, return from injury after lengthy periods on the sidelines.

England A have also been boosted by the inclusion of senior players Katherine Merchant, Rowena Burnfield and Georgina Rozario who were all involved in England's opening 6 Nations 31-0 victory against Wales last weekend.

Saracens' Sonia Green will captain the side.

England A Head Coach Mike Barnett said: "Having Katy and Karen back in the side will give us some more experience. They are making their way back from injury so this is an opportunity for them to get some game time under their belts.

"We are also delighted to have Katherine, Georgina and Rowena with us, while some of our A's players have made the step up to the seniors for the Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday. These selections really underline the strength of our Elite Squad."

With England A defeating the Nomads for the first time in three years at the weekend Barnett is hoping his side can carry the momentum into Saturday's game against Spain.

He added: "We were really pleased with the victory over the Nomads. They are a difficult side to play against and we have come close in the past. We certainly hope we can continue that form into the game against Spain. Spain are a very physical side, they scrummage well and are good at the breakdown but if we can get some good, quick ball then we should be able to get it out to our speedy backs."

Spain are well used to international games against English sides having been part of the 6 Nations until 2006 when they were replaced by Italy. They competed at the FIRA European Championships last year and also played England A this time last year, losing 29-0.

England A team:

Georgina Roberts, Katherine Merchant, Abigail Chamberlain, Kimberley Oliver, Natasha Hunt, Danielle Knight, Georgina Rozario, Laura Keates, Emma Layland, Katy Storie, Rowena Burnfield, Natalie Binstead, Gemma Sharples, Sonia Green (C), Karen Jones

Replacements: Victoria Fleetwood, Rosemarie Crowley, Jenny Brightmore, Marlie Packer, Sarah Guest, Rose Fong, Jennifer Edwards