Source: Joe Allison:Getty Images

Red Roses – Ins and Outs

The Red Roses’ second training session of pre-season shows subtle differences from John Mitchell’s policy of last year. The total number of players called up is as large as I have known it, 42, but no fewer than 18 will be missing as they prepare for the PWR final. So curiously, coaches will have to

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Source: PWR

Gloucester-Hartpury v Bristol Bears

PWR Semi-final 6,000 people were on hand to witness an enthralling game. Bears spent the early minutes building momentum, but couldn’t yet find penetration. Holly Aitchison sent an uncharacteristic pass straight into touch. This wasn’t to prove one of her better games, her place-kicking alone making a poor contrast with Emma Sing’s. G-H were penalised

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Source: Zach Franzen / World Rugby

Chile and Kenya win opening round of Sevens Challenger Series

Chile and Kenya were crowned men’s and women’s champions, respectively, at the opening round of the  World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025 in Cape Town. Chile overcame Canada 33-7 in the men’s final, while Kenya beat Argentina 17-12 in an intense women’s  final. Germany’s men’s team and South Africa’s women’s team earned third place on

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Source: World Rugby

Female Coaches – where did they go?

News that Exeter Chiefs, in their wisdom, have decided not to extend the contract of their head coach, Susie Appleby, reduces the number of female coaches to a round zero. The only other woman in charge, Rachel Taylor, was given her marching orders by Sale Sharks in January. These developments fly in the face of

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Source: INPHO/Ben Brady

February Rugby Diary 2025

An eventful month with a dramatic kick in the tail 1 February Celtic Challenge: Gwalia Lightning 26 Edinburgh Rugby 5; Glasgow Warriors 21 Wolfhounds 61; Gwalia stand second behind Wolfhounds 1 February Latin Cup: Benetton Rugby 38 Iberians Majadahonda 10 (Barcelona); Zebre Parma 17 Iberians Elche 22 (Parma) 1 February Sisilia Tuipulotu (Wales) misses the

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Source: Waratahs

Super W 2025

The eighth edition of Super W starts on the last day of February. On balance, it’s optimism and growth for Aussie rugby this year. The one downside was seeing Melbourne Rebels drop out. They had suffered a torrid time across previous seasons and debts mounted up to the point where they folded. Beyond that the

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Source: Zach Franzen / World Rugby

Sevens captains ready for the challenge in Cape Town

Twelve international men’s and women’s sides are in Cape Town for round 1 of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger on 1-2 March, the first step towards qualifying for next year’s HSBC SVNS. Opening two rounds of the World Rugby HSBC Challenger 2025 take place at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 1-2 and 7-8

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