Injury-hit England name NZ tour squad

England have named an injury-hit women's rugby squad to take on world champions New Zealand in a three-Test tour beginning at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday embroidery badges.

England head to New Zealand on the back of two consecutive series wins against the Black Ferns in 2011 and 2012, but haven't played here since 2005 or won a game in New Zealand since 2001.

The England squad have been hit hard by late withdrawals - Alice Richardson, Heather Fisher and Joanne Watmore all ruled out after picking up injuries at last month's rugby sevens World Cup in Moscow.

England are also without Margaret Alphonsi, Danielle Waterman, Hannah Gallagher wine school, Georgina Gulliver, Amy Turner and Fiona Pocock.

England coach Gary Street says the squad is an exciting one, which faces a "massive mental challenge" in playing New Zealand at home.

"Unquestionably this is a hugely important series as we count down to the Rugby World Cup," he said.

The two teams meet again on July 16 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, with the final clash scheduled for July 20 in Pukekohe.

England: Emily Braund, Rachael Burford, Rochelle Clark, Emma Croker, Victoria Fleetwood, Sophie Hemming, Natasha Hunt, Sarah Hunter (captain), Laura Keates, La Toya Mason, Francesca Matthews, Alexandra Matthews, Joanne McGilchrist, Katy McLean, Katherine Merchant, Harriett Millar-Mills, Kate Newton, Marlie Packer, Amber Reed, Emily Scarratt, Michaela Staniford Asian college of knowledge management, Tamara Taylor, Sally Tuson, Ceri Large, Isabelle Noel-Smith, Kay Wilson.