Scarratt keen to play part in England's 'big year'

Emily Scarratt will win her 117th England cap against Italy on Sunday

Women's Six Nations: England v Italy

Venue: LNER Community Stadium, York Date: Sunday, 23 March Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC Two, iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app; listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Experienced centre Emily Scarratt wants to play her part in a "big year ahead" for England, with a home Rugby World Cup to come during August and September.

The 35-year-old has appeared in each of the past four World Cups for the Red Roses, starring in the final when England beat Canada to win the competition in 2014.

England's preparation for this year's tournament continues with the Women's Six Nations. Coach John Mitchell's side begin their bid for a seventh consecutive title against Italy in York on Sunday, with Scarratt starting at outside centre.

When asked about her hopes for World Cup selection, Loughborough Lightning's Scarratt told BBC Sport: "I'm going to try my best. We've got so many good players throughout the squad and ultimately Mitch will make whatever decision he thinks is best.

"Hopefully I'm still showing I've got something there to offer; whether it's a starting shirt, being on the bench or being part of the squad.

"I'm definitely keen on being a part of that big year ahead."

Scarratt will win her 117th cap against Italy - her tally of appearances greater than any other member of England's 37-woman squad for the Six Nations.

She was out of action for 13 months before returning in February 2024 following neck surgery, and came off the bench in both England's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France and the win over Canada in October which secured a second consecutive WXV1 title.

Mitchell said before last year's Six Nations that he was considering using Scarratt at inside centre and she wore 12 in last year's corresponding fixture against Italy in Parma.

In an England line-up which contains two players making their first international starts and two uncapped players among the replacements, Scarratt will begin at 13 on Sunday.

"That [whether she plays inside or outside centre] is probably more of a conversation for Mitch. Certainly in this Six Nations, it's definitely a focus on 13," Scarratt said.

"Jade Shekells has come in to fill a bit of that 12 gap behind Tatyana [Heard], and Holly [Aitchison] is playing there this weekend.

"There are times where I will fit into that, whether it's in training or in games. We're blessed with a few people that can float into different positions.

"Playing 13, trying to compete for a shirt with Megan Jones is tough at the moment, so if there's another opportunity to potentially play, I'll definitely take it. But at the moment, the focus is definitely on 13."

Asked if she feels more comfortable playing at outside centre, she added: "I think so, just looking at the numbers and the amount of times I've played there compared to everywhere else.

"I was getting into a little groove at 12 and I don't mind it. The way England play and bits at Loughborough where it's a bit more interchangeable, they kind of blend into one a little bit.

"I do prefer perhaps being one out, especially defensively - I think there are more problems to be solved out a channel wider. But I just would want to be on the field, to be honest."