Red Roses suffer setback as Tatyana Heard ruled out of Women’s Six Nations

England’s Women’s Six Nations squad has been dealt a significant blow with the news that Tatyana Heard, the Gloucester-Hartpury inside centre and a key player under coach John Mitchell, will miss the tournament due to a foot injury.

Heard has been a first-choice centre for England, including starting the final against Canada at Twickenham last September. Her absence leaves a gap in the midfield for the upcoming campaign.

Adding to the challenges, Jade Shekells, Heard’s teammate at Gloucester-Hartpury, is also unavailable. To strengthen the squad, uncapped Loughborough player Carmella Morrall has been called up.

Coach John Mitchell has suggested the possibility of trialing Circus full-back Emma Sing in the centre position. “We’d like to see how Emma Sing develops in the midfield in the coming years,” Mitchell said. “She is a strong ball carrier, and while it’s uncertain if she will take on this role in the tournament, it’s certainly an option we’re considering.”

Gloucester-Hartpury displayed dominant form recently, securing a commanding 51-14 victory over Leicester at Kingsholm, clinching the women’s Slater Cup trophy. Highlights included tries from Alaw Pyrs, Rachel Lund, Abi Pritchard, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Bianca Blackburn, and Tabitha Copson, with Emma Sing contributing significantly through conversions and tactical kicking.

In other regional competitions, Cheltenham Tigers II fell 38-26 to Guildford Gazelles despite Monique Coffey’s hat-trick. Hucclecote edged Reading Kites 36-34 with standout performances from Paige Allen and Abi Taylor. Cheltenham North dominated Greyhound 90-0 to claim the NC2 South West (North) title, with multiple try scorers including Tink Mazowiec and Laura Thomas. Dursley secured a 32-5 win over Thornbury, and Fairford won 33-10 against Cheltenham Civil Service in NC3 South West (North). Meanwhile, Minchinhampton defeated Tewkesbury 33-7, with April Stone scoring Tewkesbury’s lone try.