After a heavy schedule since Christmas and a testing time with injuries and unavailability, the Wasps return to action this Sunday as they host Darlington at the new Mint Bridge. Training has been heavily focused on the coming fixtures, and a lot of work put in by the players as they strive to develop an expansive game going forward.

Selection this week sees an exciting squad available. The front row sees skipper Kez Stevens return after missing out against Birkenhead Park. Vicki Nelmes continues in the engine room on the back of some excellent performances, and is this week partnered by the returning Samara Tomlinson, with Beth Shaw joining a pacy back row on the blindside. The backline is largely unchanged from last time out, with Michelle Larkin fit again. A tight bench sees a great mix of impact and flair, with Zoe Dixon and Sarah Muncaster joined by Rowan Boardley and the returning Fleur Stanton.

Coach James Mackereths views:

For the past few weeks now we've been looking ahead to this game, analysing back to previous games and looking to build and develop going forward. The buy in from the whole squad has been exemplary, everyone's been very positive and have worked hard. We're really striving to take the absolute maximum from this run in to the club season and carry it into the county programme too. A real squad effort is what will carry us over the line, and with people coming back into contention there's some real drive in the ranks. All the best for Sunday ladies, enjoy the day.