In an intriguing addition to the rugby calendar, the Black Ferns are due to meet a “Black Ferns XV” on 5 July at the Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei. The game acts essentially as preparation for the O’Reilly Cup match against the Wallaroos, which takes place a week later at Wellington. Since the BFs have never lost
Trailfinders announce the signing of Niamh Swailes. Known for her versatility and explosiveness as a player, the 21-year-old arrives from Sale Sharks where she established herself as a consistent, standout performer. A Gateshead native, Swailes made her senior debut for Sale Sharks against Bristol Bears and began her rugby journey as a flanker before transitioning
As a first step towards the World Cup teams, please find below the six Six Nations squads as originally published. Inevitably there will be additions and subtractions along the way. Their summer programmes differ widely: the dates of training sessions and warm-up matches adding to the unpredictability of future events. Even the number of players
Loughborough Lightning have locked in USA international Bulou Mataitoga on an extended contract. The versatile back joined the African Violets in 2021 and made her 50th appearance during February’s Premiership Women’s Rugby 2024/25 final round encounter with Trailfinders Women, at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. Capable in the centres, wing and at fullback, the 31-year-old
Let’s try to put the good news from Edinburgh in its place. Scotland will play their first planned match at Murrayfield next spring against England. This is a huge leap of faith by the SRU and congratulations to them. I add ‘planned’, as there was that accidental match in 2020 that I reported on at
Ealing Trailfinders have announced that Abi Burton has signed a new contract. The England forward has gone from strength-to-strength since joining Trailfinders Women in their inaugural year and has developed into a key member of the playing group. Having previously represented Great Britain in rugby sevens at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, Burton’s explosive
A Aitchison’s Surprise move Holly Aitchison’s decision to move from Bristol Bears to Sale Sharks comes out of the blue. But her reasoning makes it as clear as her departure from Saracens. She left StoneX to be sure of a starting chance at No 10. Her place had been blocked by Zoe Harrison. The switch
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Gallagher Insurance, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services company, today announce a landmark partnership at a special launch event held at the All Blacks Experience in Auckland. The partnership brings together two globally recognised brands united by shared values of integrity, excellence, and community impact. Gallagher becomes
Now hardly seems the time for an appraisal for the 2025-25 PWR season. But a number of issues make it appropriate. Tigers First, my growing concern about one club, Leicester Tigers. In quick succession they have lost the services of Amy Cokayne, Charlotte Fray, Claire Gallagher, Francesca McGhie and Meg Jones. That is, their only
Trailfinders have announced the signing of Canadian full-back Claire Gallagher ahead of the new season. Gallagher joins from fellow Premiership Women’s Rugby side Leicester Tigers, where she featured alongside newly announced Trailfinders, Meg Jones and Francesca McGhie. Since winning her first international cap in 2023 against New Zealand the Canadian playmaker has further honed her
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