A minute’s silence was observed with due reverence to mark Pope Francis’ death. While this match couldn’t equal the tensions of yesterday’s pair, it will help bring more supporters in to fill Parma’s stadium. It was worthy of bringing down the curtain on a dramatic 6N tournament. Both sides started in top gear. How long
The Hive, Edinburgh Somehow the Scots salvaged a win that they hardly deserved, and could move into the break before the World Cup with confidence restored. For the Irish this was a reverse they could not have expected. At least it was by a hair’s breadth. They have plenty still going for them. For much
The Allianz Stadium, London One of the unlikeliest final scores this famed tournament has known. In the tensest atmosphere you could wish for outside a World Cup final, the game went down to the last minute and the last point. Maybe you’ve known a win by the odd-point in 85 in so critical a match.
England v France The two managements have now made their decisions. They take on even greater significance, as they hint at the likeliest starting sides at the World Cup. Teams: England 1 Hannah Botterman 2 Lark Atkin-Davies 3 Maud Muir 4 Morwenna Talling 5 Abbie Ward 6 Zoe Aldcroft (captain) 7 Maddie Feaunati 8 Alex
The first shock move of the coming 2025-26 PWR season: Meg Jones switches from Leicester Tigers to Trailfinders Women. The news brings all manner of consequences. Most important: it reduces even further Tigers’ chances of making a mark on a league that is still relatively new to them. What a contrast with the success of
For the first time since 2021 the Six Nations championship won’t be completed on the same day, with three matches in a row. Fortunately, the postponement of the Italy-Wales match, caused by the death of Pope Francis, has been delayed by only one day. The combined authorities have found it possible to rearrange it far
Once again rugby news is bursting out all around the globe. Here are a few of the items: A Portia Woodman-Wickliffe retires from retirement. Worrying news for her opponents, except those who enjoy a challenge. Her change of mind restores confidence to doubting Black Ferns supporters. They know the Fifteens squad will need all the
Part Two Armchair pundits (I’m one) have argued that it makes no difference who John Mitchell chooses for the France match; the result is a foregone conclusion, like every encounter since March 2018. This is why it matters: two years ago at HQ England scraped home 38-33. There have been far tighter results than that
Sione Fukofuka announced his Eagles’ squad last month, but as the Pacific Four approaches (3-24 May). Let’s take a closer look. The Squad Hope Rogers, Maya Learned, Charli Jacoby, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Catie Benson, Alivia Leatherman, Kathryn Treder, Paige Stathopoulos, Saher Hamdan, Hallie Taufoou, Erica Jarrell, Rachel Ehrecke, Emerson Allen, Tahlia Brody, Rachel Johnson, Freda
Part One Who does John Mitchell choose for Twickenham? France’s win against italy looks complete enough on paper (21-34), but on the field it was very different. Two late scores distorted the final margin of victory. Then consider history weighing down on French shoulders, that long series of defeats at English hands. Their last victory
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