Catherine first started playing rugby at Folkestone RFC, 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.

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.  She has demonstrated the maturity needed as a skipper both on and off the pitch - she has certainly got a wise head on young shoulders.
“Catherine’s game is improving all the time and she is one of the best No. 8’s in European rugby. Her self assurance and her strong physical presence on the pitch also makes her a natural choice for captain.  Her good rugby understanding will also help to implement what we want as coaches both on and off the pitch.”

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. I am following in the footsteps of some great past captains, including the likes of Sue Day and Jo Yapp most recently; they are all players that have been heroes in my eyes.