Frosty reception for Canada

Claire Frost will lead England into Saturday’s Churchill Cup final against Canada in Vancouver.

The Saracens number eight has captained the side in the pool matches against Canada and USA in the absence of Maxine Edwards, who injured an ankle in training during the first week and has not recovered sufficiently for the showdown at Thunderbird Stadium.

“Claire has done pretty well,” said coach Geoff Richards. “She is an experienced captain at club level and she also led England against Spain in the Six Nations.”

Frost, who has won 38 caps, said: “It’s hard on Maxine but we have good strength in depth and it’s good for any team not to rely on any one person. I am not nervous about being captain and I don’t feel it affects me. I am lucky to have several leaders around me in the team.”

England beat Canada 10-5 in the opening game of the competition and Richards added: “The players that have performed well on tour are the ones that have been selected. We have had two tight games and we are expecting another close encounter, especially against Canada, who are on home soil with a home crowd and will be really up for it. We are going to have to be on top of our game to perform well.”