The first of three planned training camps will take place in Edinburgh this week with the second due to be hosted in Wales and the last in England (both in April).
The extended squad is comprised of the top players from across the UK, with Forrest explaining that “It’s very exciting to name this initial training squad. It has a lot of potential with some world class athletes selected”.
The 24 strong squad will be narrowed down to a final 13 just prior to the Olympic Games in July.
Forrest said: “I have been able to spend a decent amount of time with the English players and staff in their environment. With them being the one full-time squad competing on the World Series, this has been invaluable for me to get to know them better. I obviously know the Scotland 7s team very well and I have had some good conversations with Ollie Philips as well, since his appointment as Wales Women 7s coach.
“Selection has been competitive, and I believe that we have a strong core group here. We will go into the first training weekend with a focus on creating the culture, developing a team identity and building relationships.
“It is great to be able to have the initial training weekends in Scotland, England and Wales. I think that is really important to create the right culture and the understanding of what it means to be part of Team GB.”
Wales Women Sevens coach Ollie Phillips said, “It’s fantastic to have three Wales players named in this extended squad. “They’ve all got the skillset and professionalism needed to challenge for a place in the final squad and we will continue to support them as best we can to ensure they are in the best possible place to do so.
“The hard work starts here, as Jazz will know from last time around, but it will be a challenge they will relish as international athletes and competitors.”
GB 7s Women’s Training Squad
Holly Aitchison (England)
Keira Bevan (Wales)
Abbie Brown (England)
Abi Burton (England)
Heather Fisher (England)
Deborah Fleming (England)
Megan Gaffney (Scotland)
Sydney Gregson (England)
Hannah Jones (Wales)
Meg Jones (England)
Jasmine Joyce (Wales)
Ellie Kildunne (England)
Rhona Lloyd (Scotland)
Alex Matthews (England)
Helen Nelson (Scotland)
Jodie Ounsley (England)
Celia Quansah (England)
Chloe Rollie (Scotland)
Helena Rowland (England)
Hannah Smith (Scotland)
Lisa Thomson (Scotland)
Emma Uren (England)
Beth Wilcock (England)
Amy Wilson Hardy (England)
