Twin Appointments
It’s encouraging news that Kim Oliver and Kat Merchant will combine as coaches to the Ealing Trailfinders’ women’s rugby academies at Brunel University and the Henley College.
Both remain familiar figures on the English rugby scene after having to retire prematurely from the national side. For Oliver it means a quick transfer from Bristol Bears to her new appointment.
Trailfinders are starting with a blank page, hoping to harness youthful talent in their two nurseries pitched a good distance apart north-west of London.
With the highly experienced Red Rose pair in charge, they have got off to a promising start.
European Qualifiers at last!
Spain are due to meet Russia this weekend in a vital contest for the European section of the World Cup qualifiers. If Russia win, they go through to the next stage, as they have already beaten the Netherlands. They would then meet the trio Ireland, Italy and Scotland. But they have never beaten las Leonas, who would ensure their onward march the following week by beating the Netherlands.
The Russians have decided to give priority to their 7s squad; Spain, with no chance of qualifying for the Olympics, are eyeing the World Cup. By the purest of coincidences the Russian 7s squad has just arrived safely in Spain for the start of the Madrid 7s!
Details: Saturday 20 February, Guadalajara. Kick-off 16.00 local time
The World Cup organisers will give a huge sigh of relief once these games are put to bed. They have been a disturbingly long time in the waiting.
The Prem 15s
Two more fixtures on Saturday to catch the imagination, in a spare weekend that helps ease a disturbed schedule. Kick-off 14.00.
Quins meet London rivals Wasps at Surrey Sports Park, while Sharks meet Sharks in Durham to decide who is cock of the north – or should that be Top Shark? The game is pretty vital for both: DMPDS desperately need to get their season going with a win; Sale have waited since the middle of November for a chance to celebrate a second victory.
Quins’ limousine has been heaved off the road twice in recent rounds. They face a stern test from the swarm who haven’t played for a fortnight. They have found Quins a hard nut to crack in the past, but this season is a very different matter. Much will depend on who is and who isn’t available from two ultra-strong squads. At Cobham Quins’ absent Red Roses were missed more than the club would like to admit.
The RFU’s livestream cameras will be there.
Disciplinary
Emily Robinson (Quins) has received a 4-match suspension for a dangerous tackle committed in the game against Exeter Chiefs.
