As Great Britain’s judo men fight in Glasgow at their two-day European Open this weekend, on the Saturday, the women’s team will also be looking to claim some medals when in Rome.

Led into battle by British Judo’s double-Olympic silver medallist Kate Howey, the women’s team will be looking to gain individual world-ranking points.

Olympian Gemma Howell will enjoy her first international tournament back after injury.

She has been selected for the -63kg category along with Faith Pitman. Sarah Clark will be self-funding in the same class.

They will be joined by Kelly Edwards (-52kg) and Connie Ramsay (-57kg), Megan Fletcher (-70kg) and Sarah Adlington (+78kg). Caroline Kinnane (-78kg) will be self-funding.

Howey said: “All eyes will be on Gemma Howell as she makes her international debut back after injury.

“She was ranked in the top 16 in the world before injury and has since dropped down into top thirties.

“With her recent gold success in the Great North Open, she is on good form. It will be an ideal chance to climb back up the ranking list.

“We have three players fighting at -63kg Faith Pitman, Sarah Clark and Gemma Howell who will all be pushing each other, so we could potentially see an all-Brit medal contest.”

Howey added that Rome also offers a chance for players, coming through and getting back into competition, to gain world-ranking points and potentially make the “A” List for Abu Dhabi.

“We could possibly make additions to the Asian tour based on performances here, so it is important for them to do well,” she added.

The 2013 Asia Tour takes place from 20 November to 7 December, in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates, Tokyo Japan, and Jeju, South Korea.

Words by Donna Richardson