If England fans are looking for a comfortable victory, they need only glance at the following numbers to banish over-confidence: 1, 15, 2, 10, 2, 6, 23, 2, 4, 2, 12, 6, 5, 21. These are the margins of victory, going back to France’s last win in 2018. (full scores below). The two sides: England
A Celtic Warm-Up First the teams: Scotland 15 Chloe Rollie 14 Coreen Grant 13 Emma Orr 12 Meryl Smith 11 Francesca McGhie 10 Helen Nelson 9 Mairi McDonald 1 Leah Bartlett 2 Lana Skeldon 3 Christine Belisle 4 Fi McIntosh 5 Sarah Bonar 6 Rachel Malcolm (captain) 7 Alex Stewart 8 Evie Gallagher 16 Elis
The joint-coaches, Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz, have published the names of the 30 players to represent France in their match against England then the WXV1 series. It is: Forwards: Rose Bernadou, Axelle Berthoumieu, Manon Bigot, MaiIys Borak, Yllana Brosseau, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall, Manae Feleu, Téani Feleu, Émeline Gros, Hina Ikahehegi, Assia Khalfaoui, Romane
It’s time for the Wallaroos to celebrate. First: their debut test match took place 30 years ago today, 2 September. Inevitably it was against New Zealand. Players from that game assembled for a photo to mark the occasion. Libby Andrew, a member of the Wallaroos’ side, has written a book, the first of its kind,
Emily Dickinson wrote: “One step at a time is all it takes to get you there.” That’s the evident policy of the England management, as we creep closer to a run of five international matches. The Red Roses have enjoyed (or suffered?) five training weeks. Now comes another session before the first clash, against France
Our friends at the Italian website, Ladies Rugby Club, obtained an interview with Marzio Innocenti, as he hopes to secure a second term of office as President of the FIR. (https://ladiesrugbyclub.blogspot.com/2024/08/elezioni-federali-e-sviluppo-del-rugby_27.html) This is a summary of the conversation. Women’s rugby in Italy has leapt forward in recent years, but huge problems remain. The first question
Play together, stay together 1 August Kayleigh Powell (Wales) leaves Bristol Bears for Quins 2 August Cieron Bell (Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby) signs for Loughborough Lightning 2 August PWR seeks a new Head of Marketing 2 August The IRFU is looking for a Women’s Rugby Strategy Implementation Lead 2 August USA Eagles announce 40-strong squad
It’s laughable to view the two coming internationals, against France and New Zealand, as warm-ups. Yet, in one sense they really are: a preparation for the second running of WXV1 in Canada, to help decide who starts and who finishes; who plays where. But there is far too much history hanging on these fixtures; all
One day after Giselle Mather’s shock departure Barney Maddison has been appointed head coach of Trailfinders Women. Like Ben Ward, the Director who dismissed Mather, Maddison is an inside product, having played for TF and been an assistant coach. His CV includes coaching roles at Sheffield Hallam and Bracknell, scarcely key positions in the rugby
Sport never fails to throw up unlikely stories. Here’s one to contest the top place: Trailfinders Women and Giselle Mather have parted company. The official view is that they have irreconcilable differences in philosophies. Anyone who has watched Wasps then Trailfinders over past years will have a good idea of Mather’s approach to rugby. Ben
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