As we approach the annual excitement of the Six Nations (the men this weekend; the women at the end of March), let’s focus on the nearest equivalent to it, the European Championship, which is to start on 11 February.
The elite league consists of just three nations, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, Sweden replacing Russia from the previous tournament.
Three may seem an unadventurous total, but it is all part of World Rugby’s long-term strategy to develop the women’s game. These are currently the three strongest nations in Europe, but below them come many more who will have the chance to enjoy international competition. And all of this aims towards increasing the number of test matches worldwide and the extension of the 2025 World Cup to 16 nations.
Pool Phase Fixtures:
11 February Netherlands v Sweden KO 16.00 (local time) at National Rugby Center, Amsterdam
19 February Spain v Netherlands KO 17.00 (local time) at Pins Vens, Sitges, Barcelona
25 February Spain v Sweden KO 17.00 (local time) at Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium, La Vila Joiosa (Alicante)
Up north, Tamara Taylor has taken charge of the Swedish squad, after Claire Cruikshank returned to Scotland. This will be her first outing in charge. Her squad is featured here:
Sylke Haverkorn has already announced her Dutch squad:
Linde van der Velden (Exeter Chiefs), Isa van de Zand (ZRC De Duuvels), Demy Puijpje, Esmee Ligtvoet, Isa Prins (all RC Diok), Jordan Heil, Julia Morouw, Jukia Verhoeven, Lieve Stallmann, Maya Sangala, Morgane ter Cock, Sydney de Weijer (all AAC Rugby), Flore Voogd (Bobigny 93), Liza de Wild, Mhina de Vos (both RUC), Judith Frinking, Kyra Elzinga, Michaja van Capel, Nicky Dix, Quen Makkinga (all Pinguinos Rugby Burgos), Anniek Nauta, Danique Nikkels, Isis Touw, Rixt Aerts, Supartie van Heerde (all Blue Waves/Bassets, Inger Jongerius (Grenoble), Mercel de Groot (Les Abelles), Brechtje Karst (Montpellier), Anouk Veerkamp (Hartpury), Noa Donkersloot (Haagsche RC), Merel van kampen (CR Les Abelles), Jara Bunnik, Mariet Kuijken (both Bredase RC), Helen van Hattem, Jet Metz (both Lindenwood College, Missouri)
Only one familiar name here, the captain, but several players have moved abroad (to France, Spain, USA, England) partly at least to advance their game. Haverkorn is determined to raise awareness of the 15s game.
Juan Gonzalez, who takes over from the long-serving Jose ‘Yunque’ Barrio, has selected this Spanish squad:
Marieta Roman, Marta Estelles, Sidorella Bracic, Maria del Castillo, Cristina Blanco, Laura Delgado, Maria Miguel, Monica Castelo, Lucia Gayoso, Carmen Castellucci, Lourdes Alameda Vico Gorrochategui, Anna Puig, Ana Peralta, Alba Capell, Alba Maria Alonso, Lucia Diaz, Julia Castro, Alba Alpin, Ines Bueso-Inchausti, Maider Aresti, Iciar Pozo, Claudia Pena, Marta Fresno, Alba Vinuesa, Claudia Perez, Tecla Masoko, Marta Carmona, Clara Piquero, Zahia Perez
Spain are the recurrent champions at this level, but they will have to get used to playing without their unforgettable talisman, Patricia Garcia. A lot of other familiar names are missing too. We will soon find out how promising the new generation is. Odds on Laura Delgado being appointed captain.
All games will be live-streamed on www.rugbyeurope.tv
