PWR’s Team of the Week was strikingly different this time. The stats gurus at Oval Insights had only four teams to choose from, the semi-finalists. Even so Glos-Pury fans lined up to mock their choices. And, the innocent neutral that I am, I have to agree with them. This was the team selected: 1 Hannah
Few people have been in Sean Lynn’s position. There can be no doubting his pride in taking over a national Welsh side, nor his sadness at having to leave such a successful club as Gloucester-Hartpury. As I hunt for parallels, I can suggest Rob Cain. He led Saracens to remarkable heights before assuming the job
On the weekend of 1-2 March you could take your pick from competitions around the globe. Here are five, carefully arranged in alphabetical order: Celtic Challenge, Round Nine Elite 1, Round 14 PWR, semi-finals Super Aupiki, Round One Super W, Round One Results Celtic Challenge: Gwalia (Wales, 3rd) 17 Wolfhounds (Ireland, 1st) 48; Edinburgh (Scotland,
The Red Roses’ second training session of pre-season shows subtle differences from John Mitchell’s policy of last year. The total number of players called up is as large as I have known it, 42, but no fewer than 18 will be missing as they prepare for the PWR final. So curiously, coaches will have to
PWR Semi-final 6,000 people were on hand to witness an enthralling game. Bears spent the early minutes building momentum, but couldn’t yet find penetration. Holly Aitchison sent an uncharacteristic pass straight into touch. This wasn’t to prove one of her better games, her place-kicking alone making a poor contrast with Emma Sing’s. G-H were penalised
News that Exeter Chiefs, in their wisdom, have decided not to extend the contract of their head coach, Susie Appleby, reduces the number of female coaches to a round zero. The only other woman in charge, Rachel Taylor, was given her marching orders by Sale Sharks in January. These developments fly in the face of
An eventful month with a dramatic kick in the tail 1 February Celtic Challenge: Gwalia Lightning 26 Edinburgh Rugby 5; Glasgow Warriors 21 Wolfhounds 61; Gwalia stand second behind Wolfhounds 1 February Latin Cup: Benetton Rugby 38 Iberians Majadahonda 10 (Barcelona); Zebre Parma 17 Iberians Elche 22 (Parma) 1 February Sisilia Tuipulotu (Wales) misses the
The eighth edition of Super W starts on the last day of February. On balance, it’s optimism and growth for Aussie rugby this year. The one downside was seeing Melbourne Rebels drop out. They had suffered a torrid time across previous seasons and debts mounted up to the point where they folded. Beyond that the
Fixtures Saturday 1 March: Saracens v Harlequins, StoneX Stadium, KO 15.00, TNT Sunday 2 March: Gloucester-Hartpury v Bristol Bears, Queensholm, KO 15.00 TNT and BBC iPlayer It’s no surprise that the tightest run-in to the finals we have yet known gives all four clubs the chance of ultimate victory. All have match-winners capable of turning
As we await the last three games of the 2025 PWR season, let’s take a look around to see what’s been happening, and what is to come. Here are a few topics. Exodus Every end of season sees changes in personnel. This year’s offer two head coaches leaving their post: Rachel Taylor (Sale Sharks) and
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