WORCESTER Valkyries player Stephanie Johnston has been named in the 23-strong GB Sevens squad preparing for this summer's Olympics in Rio.

Johnston plays international rugby with Scotland and captains her nation's sevens team.

Former Worcester players Heather Fisher (Thurrock) and Danielle Waterman (Bristol) are also included in the squad.

They are training full-time under Team GB Sevens head coach Simon Middleton and assistant Richie Pugh.

Ongoing Olympic preparations will be supported by Rugby Europe’s tournament in Kazan (June 11 and 12) and an invitational event in Tignes (July 14 to 16).

The squad will be officially announced on July 19.

GB women's Sevens squad: Claire Allan, Natasha Brennan, Abbie Brown, Rachael Burford, Heather Fisher, Victoria Fleetwood, Natasha Hunt, Jasmine Joyce (Wales Sevens), Stephanie Johnston (Scotland Sevens), Megan Jones, Alex Matthews, Fran Matthews, Sarah Mckenna, Katy Mclean, Marlie Packer, Alice Richardson, Emily Scarratt, Emily Scott, Michaela Staniford, Danielle Waterman, Joanne Watmore, Kay Wilson, Amy Wilson Hardy. Laurie Harries (Wales) has been withdrawn from the squad through injury

Management group: Simon Middleton (Team GB Sevens head coach), Richie Pugh (Team GB Sevens assistant coach), Nicky Ponsford (team leader), Zoe Eaton (team manager), Dave Gardner (analyst), Paul McGinley (physio), Katie James (strength and conditioning coach), Joe Larkin (doctor) and Celia Gillbe (assistant physio).