England’s Atkin-Davies and Gilligan out of Grand Slam showdown against France

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Published 22/04/2024 at 20:22 GMT

England will be without Rosie Gilligan and Lark Atkin-Davies for the Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam showdown against France, with both ruled out through injury. Gilligan injured her thumb in the warm-up ahead of England’s last game against Ireland, while Atkin-Davies suffered an ankle knock. The Red Roses are going for a sixth successive title and a second Grand Slam in a row.Lark Atkin-Davies of England carries the ball during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2024 match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium on April 20, 2024.

Image credit: Getty Images

England have been dealt a blow ahead of their Grand Slam showdown with France after lock Rosie Gilligan and hooker Lark Atkin-Davies were ruled out through injury.

Both will see specialists this week and have left John Mitchell’s squad, with Exeter Chiefs winger Katie Buchanan returning from injury.

Elsewhere, No. 8 Sarah Beckett and hooker Amy Cokayne are available again after serving bans.

It’s a winner-takes-all clash on Saturday at Bordeaux’s Stade Chaban-Delmas between the Red Roses and France, with both on four wins from four.

England are chasing a sixth successive title and a second straight Grand Slam and have been the standout side of the tournament.

The reigning champions opened their account with a 48-0 victory away to Italy before backing that up with 46-10 and 46-0 triumphs over Wales and Scotland respectively.

The Red Roses top the table by a point over France, but unless the match is drawn, that essentially counts for nothing.

Les Bleus are coming into the contest off the back of their best showing of the tournament, following a 40-0 win against Wales.

Should France come out on top in front of their home fans, they will claim the crown for the first time since 2018.

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