FORMER Kent rugby player Catherine Spencer has been named the new captain of the England women’s rugby team.

Spencer takes over the captaincy armband from Wasps player Sue Day who announced her international retirement last month.

Spencer, who lives in Brislington in Bristol, has 27 caps for England and plays at No8.

The 28-year-old, who first started playing rugby at Folkestone RFC and is now with Worcester, was part of the 2007 RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam winning team and last year featured in the final of the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Spencer’s first game in charge will come on December 15 when England take on the USA at London Irish ARFC.

England head coach Gary Street said: "With three Six Nations championships and a Rugby World Cup final under her belt Catherine will bring a wealth of experience to the team as captain."

Spencer added: "I am absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity. It is a massive honour and I am very excited and very proud to be named captain."

Full story in this week's Kentish Express