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
The Red Roses’ Summer Series fixtures against France and New Zealand will be broadcast live on BBC One. John Mitchell’s side, who secured a third consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in April, host the French at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium on Saturday 7th September, and then take on the Black Ferns at Twickenham Stadium
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
Australia and WXV1 on the Menu Scott Bemand has named 35 players to represent Ireland in the international against the Wallaroos and WXV1. They are: Forwards (19) Sophie Barrett (Railway Union/Ulster)*, Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere/Leinster)*, Sarah Delaney (Blackrock College/Leinster), Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Christy Haney (Blackrock College/Leinster), Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere/Ulster), Shannon Ikahihifo (Ealing Trailfinders/IQ
34 players have been invited to join training sessions at Cap Breton for five days, 27-31 August. With their current and original clubs indicated, they are: Forwards Rose Bernadou (Montpellier/Les Rives d’Orb), Axelle Berthoumieu (Blagnac/Espalion Nord Aveyron), Manon Bigot (Blagnac), MaiIys Borak (Stade Bordelais/Toulon), Yllana Brosseau (Stade Bordelais/Créteil Choisy), Charlotte Escudero (Stade Toulousain/RC Valettois Revestois),
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