When the Six Nations was originally due to finish in March, Abbie Ward was still halfway through an 11-month rehabilitation programme on an injured hip having given up any hope of playing in this year's competition.
Fast forward to a fog infused night in northern Italy and Ward is collecting her Player of the Match medal whilst her England teammates celebrate a second successive...
Emily Scarratt will captain England against Italy in Parma on Sunday 1 November after Sarah Hunter was ruled out through injury.
The Red Roses have already won the Six Nations following France's draw with Scotland last weekend but will wrap up the Grand Slam with victory over the Azzuri.
Harlequins second row Abbie Ward and Marlie Packer of Saracens are both recalled...
