Ireland v Japan All Irish fans knew their team had the beating of the Sakura. The worry was, could they be sure they’d maintain recent progress? Sam Monaghan was back, but Scott Bemand didn’t risk Aoife Wafer. The answer was a resounding yes. The Sakura; famed for their fast, disciplined approach, couldn’t withstand the all-round
With the eyes of the rugby world firmly fixed on the Women’s World Cup, in what promises to be the biggest and best tournament to date, the PWR is taking the time to shine a light on the importance of the club game in developing international superstars. The PWR spoke to PWR athletes including Red
Contents 1. Australia v Samoa 2. Scotland v Wales 3. Canada v Fiji 4. France v Italy The RWC organisers wisely decided to restrict matches to the weekend, allowing more people to attend, and giving teams a proper break. That means seven per weekend, and with the big launch at Sunderland on Friday eight between
England started their long-awaited pursuit of the World Cup hesitantly. Later the cork popped out and the fizz flowed. Thr forwards failed to take the kick-off on the full and had to scramble. This was repeated twice more, leaving Abbie Ward in uncomfortable gymnastic positions. The Eagles pressed hard, built nice little moves but couldn’t
As we creep ever closer to opening time, English voices grow more concerned. I’ve asked before: what can possibly go wrong? One curt answer is, the opposition proving better on the day. But the Red Roses have all the advantages: the top-ranked side for ages, one loss in the last 59 matches, unparalleled strength across
Last Friday the French squad assembled at the Roissy- Charles de Gaulle Airport outside Paris. The plane flew them to London from where a coach hauled down the long winding road to Exeter. But the accommodation awaiting them there made up for the rigours of the journey. This was Woodbury Park; a few miles outside
“Of course the Black Ferns are going to win, they always do.” Not quite true; they’ve won only six out of nine trophies. They had to wait till 1988 for their first, and in 2014 the Irish beat them in the biggest giant-killing act the tournament has known. But for much of the period 1991-2025
New World Rugby film “Where We Belong” showcases the inclusive spirit of the sport World Rugby has unveiled an inspiring new short film, Where We Belong, shining a light on the unique sense of belonging that rugby fosters in communities around the globe. The film captures the game’s truly inclusive nature and the diversity that
Sione Fukofuka has selected this team to represent the States in the big première: 15 LOTTE SHARP 14 EMILY HENRICH 13 ILONA MAHER 12 ALEV KELTER 11 BULOU MATAITOGA 10 MCKENZIE HAWKINS 9 OLIVIA ORTIZ 1 HOPE ROGERS 2 KATHRYN TREDER 3 KEIA-MAE SAGAPOLU 4 TAHLIA BRODY 5 ERICA JARRELL-SEARCY 6 KATE ZACKARY (captain) 7
University of Bath graduate Natasha Hunt is aiming to win a second Women’s Rugby World Cup title with England – and this time on home soil. The 2025 tournament kicks off on Friday with the host nation taking on the United States at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, live on BBC1 (7.30pm). Hunt will win her
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