None of the six managements can feel totally happy with their team’s performance in Round One. Even England, the sole side to secure a scoring bonus-point, had an unproductive second half. By the way, my apologies for crediting France and Scotland with a bonus. Of course it was the penalty-kicks that brought them a healthy
Two prominent features of the first round were the awarding of many cards and the contributions of the television match officials. Cards No fewer than three red cards were flourished, two in one match (the culprits: Evie Gallagher (Scotland), Gabrielle Vernier (France) and Georgia Evans (Wales). That is far too many for World Rugby’s peace
With less than six months to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, all four Home Unions – RFU, WRU, Scottish Rugby, IRFU – are continuing to work together to grow the women and girls’ game, thanks to the Impact ’25 programme and UK Sport. Backed by UK Sport funding, this international collaboration between the
England U18 Women’s head coach James Cooper and assistant coach Ollie Perry have confirmed their matchday squad to face Ireland this Sunday (30th). The two sides meet at the IRFU High Performance Centre, Dublin for a 13:00 BST kick-off in a warm-up fixture ahead of April’s U18 Women’s Six Nations Festival at Wellington College. Management
Harlequins Women are thrilled to confirm that Welsh international Lisa Neumann has extended her stay with the club ahead of the 2025/26 season. Neumann has impressed since making the move to West London, making 22 appearances in the Quarters and crossing for six tries. An industrious winger, Neumann has quickly asserted herself as a crucial
John Mitchell’s new-look side seemed on the way to a dominant win as they added five tries with the wind. The second-half remained scoreless till the 78th minute, showing the progress the Red Roses still have to make. Fabio Roselli will be heartened by the Italians’ showing. For lengthy periods after the break they put
The Letter of the Law A game disfigured by constant interruptions from the review box. Was the game really played by a gang of malcontents? The Lynn effect was in evidence from the start. It was all Wales, till a Keira Bevan thrust was stopped just short of the line. The Scots Guards were not
Still a Step too far The first game of the tournament could hardly have been better chosen: a chance for one of ‘The Four’ to take on and beat one of ‘The Two’ (England and France). Gabrielle Vernier led the way out to celebrate her 50th. Not a game she will recall with pleasure though.
Rugby jerseys at the ready! iPRO is excited to attend the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s once again in 2025. As the official hydration partner, iPRO will be sending thousands of bottles of iPRO Hydrate to keep players refreshed and performing at their best throughout the tournament, taking place from March 24th to 28th, 2025
On 3 March I offfered a piece under the title “Rugby everywhere you look” That weekend could proudly boast matches in Australia (Super W), Scotland and Wales (Celtic Challenge), New Zealand (Super Aupiki) and England (PWR semis). But I have to admit the weekend of 22-23 March trounces it. Just look at this starry line-up:
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