Lagi Tuima winning the player of the match at the South West Plate final

THREE Devonport Services players have been named in England women’s age group squads for the 2016/17 season.

Lagilagi Tuima is one of 14 new faces named in the 31-strong England Under-20 squad. She is joined in the squad by Cornwall’s Michaella Roberts, who recently joined Plymouth Albion Ladies from Camborne.

The group will get together this August to take on Canada in a three-Test series during a two-week residential camp in Nottingham.

Coach Jo Yapp said: “We were really impressed with the quality of rugby we saw at the recent trials and that really demonstrates how the standard is improving year-on-year.

“We are now excited to see how this group of players progress and develop throughout the programme. Our next camp is at the start of July where we will have both this season and last season’s squads in training. This camp will allow us to select players for the three tests against Canada in August.

“While this group will be joining the existing squad in July, we have also told those not selected that the door is always open. If they perform well at their clubs, we will consider bringing them in.”

Meanwhile, Services’ Lizzie Cole and Jessica Thomas have been included in a 49-strong England women’s Under-18 Talent Development Group.

Divisional talent development officer and TDG programme Lead Alex Austerberry said: “The TDG programme has a strong history of developing players. We aim to help them understand the demands of the game, developing all areas, on and off the field. We want to develop future senior players who are not only confident and competent, but have the skills required to flourish on the international stage.”