Transatlantic Quad Series confirmed for Women’s Pathway

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England will participate in the maiden Women’s Transatlantic Quad Series this July, hosted by the Welsh Rugby Union in Cardiff.

The new U19 programme is a first for the Women’s Pathway at England Rugby, which has been specifically designed to support targeted players transitioning from the U18 age-grade and for U20 players not selected for the upcoming Six Nations Women’s Summer Series in Parma, Italy.

The series follows a successful U20 Women’s tri-series between Wales, USA and Canada in the summer of 2023, with England now being integrated into plans alongside the two key North American partners.

Confirmation of the new competition follows instrumental developments relating to the RFU’s announcement of new centralised Player Development Group (PDG) centres, investment from The British & Irish Lions funding and the inaugural Six Nations Women’s Summer Series.

Taking place between Sunday 13th and Wednesday 24th July upon conclusion of the Women’s Summer Series, England will face two Tests against Canada (Friday 19th July, 17:30 BST kick-off) and USA (Wednesday 24th July, 17:30 BST kick-off) at Cardiff Arms Park.

The travelling party of 28 pathway players will include an option for a limited number of players up to the age of 23 to be selected in each matchday squad.

Management have started work with the selected cohort in training camps running alongside U20 Women’s team, who will experience 10 camp days in preparation for the trip over the border.

With the tournament designed to ensure further international exposure for age-grade players, the series also offers the opportunity for further alignment between England Rugby pathway management. Within the competition window, match week 1 will be led by England U18 Women’s head coach James Cooper and his coaching group with further support from U20 Women’s staff, with LJ Lewis and her team then leading the players into match week 2 with further assistance from the U18 staff.

Streaming information for the Transatlantic Quad Series will be communicated in due course.

LJ Lewis, England U20 Women’s head coach and programme lead, said: “Confirmation of this series follows on from the announcement of the first Six Nations Women’s Summer Series, it feels like a transformational time for the women’s pathway in the sport.

“The Transatlantic Quad Series offers a platform for our players transitioning between age-groups and is a window for development for our girls through meaningful game time.

“We’re delighted to have been invited to participate in the series and to have the opportunity for further cross-collaboration between nations in order to develop women’s rugby.”

James Cooper commented: “I’m confident the recent developments centred around the women’s pathway will prove significant for our players, and this series will be no less important.

“Not only is the series a fantastic opportunity for our players, but also bringing together pathway staff cross age-groups to fortify the alignment we have here at England Rugby.

“We’re very thankful to our hosts in Wales and are excited to showcase the impressive talent we’re lucky to possess.”

England Women’s Pathway Transatlantic Quad Series fixtures 

Friday 19th July 2024 – England vs. Canada – 17:30 BST kick-off – Cardiff Arms Park

Wednesday 24th July 2024 – England vs. USA – 17:30 BST kick-off – Cardiff Arms Park

With thanks to the RFU