England back in training as plans put in place for French double header

The England squad will return to training by the end of July as they begin preparing for the autumn internationals.

The Rugby Football Union have confirmed activity will be restricted to Stage One of the return to rugby roadmap, meaning players can only take part in non-contact training in small groups for the time being.

Some Red Roses are already back but the rest will now start increasing preparations to complete the suspended Six Nations in October, while the RFU is working on potential fixtures in November.

"We are looking at ideally being able to play France home and away," said Nicky Ponsford, the RFU's head of women's performance.

With preparations for the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand already disrupted, Ponsford is keen to make up for lost time.

"This summer was always earmarked as a key summer for us building into the World Cup, so it's been really important to try and get those players back into training,"