The return of the Allianz Cup, now named the PWR Cup for reasons unexplained, is a brave move that we must hope brings all the success it deserves. It will run from 23 August to 12 October, in other words in direct competition with the World Cup, also taking place in England (those dates: 22
News that Alana Borland is to follow Amy Rule to an English PWR club – in her case Trailfinders – brings a further worry for New Zealand Rugby. For some time NZR has been troubled at the number of All Blacks attracted by big money to Japan. Now suddenly they have to worry about the
The Maple Leafs face one of the more exotic run-ins to the World Cup. Kévin Rouet has named 38 players to train for a tour to South Africa; only 32 will fly out. The squad: Forwards Alysia Comtois, Brittany Kassil, Caroline Crossley, Cassandra Tuffnail, Courtney O’Donnell, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft, Gillian
Most sagas last longer than three years, but the last three years for Trailfinders Women have seen a host of adventures, shocks and about-turns. I’ll keep you waiting for the Big One.. They were one of two clubs allowed into the PWR league two years ago, along with Leicester Tigers. One oddity was that they
The emphasis in this division is firmly on the development of the younger generation. Gloucester opted to field first, as is par for the course, but openers Katie Dolman and Charlie Phillips went for 37 off their first pair of overs. Amy Gordon and Grace Poole made hay. Dolman looped two outswingers past the outside
Charlotte Edwards has taken the safe step of announcing only the first squad to face the Indians. The fourteen for the five T20s are: Em Arlott (Birmingham Bears) Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze) Lauren Bell (Hampshire Hawks) Alice Capsey (Surrey) Charlie Dean (Somerset) Sophia Dunkley (Surrey) Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire Thunder) Lauren Filer (Durham) Amy Jones (The
Brazil on the rampage The Yaras of Brazil continued their preparations for their first-ever appearance at a World Cup by taking on Colombia in São Paulo. Result: Brazil 58 Colombia 7, São Paulo How times change! Not long ago Brazil stood 23rd in world rankings. As the game kicked off in the second city, they
A Glance at Tigers and Sharks For the last few days I have been trying to assemble my thoughts on Leicester Tigers. Again and again I have had to start again; news keeps flooding in. Most of it is extremely worrying for the club that finished eighth out of nine last season in the English
A long series of warm-up games for the World Cup means World Rugby’s referees’ committee has been hard at work. While you will see plenty of familiar names in the lists below, it’s fascinating to note how the committee grades its officials. Naturally enough, the bigger the game, the bigger the name. There are further
A It has happened! For the first time a Black Fern will grace PWR playing-fields. Once RWC 2025 is complete, the prop, Amy Rule, will join Exeter Chiefs. With only part of my tongue in my cheek, I recall commenting on the possibility of ‘disgruntled’ BFs joining PWR clubs. Rule will happily call herself ‘gruntled’;
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