After all the tension and doubt we now know the four semi-finalists. Contrary to my expectations, Bristol Bears are through for a second attempt at winning the trophy. The other three, far less of a surprise, are Gloucester-Hartpury, Harlequins and Saracens. The mortified losers are Exeter Chiefs, but we can thank them for helping to
Celtic Challenge – Replay Scotstoun Background This fixture had fallen foul of the bad weather. A reserve weekend was set aside for just such a purpose. But another match to suffer the same fate, Glasgow Warriors v Clovers, will not be replayed, Glasgow using up this one date available. The teams take two points each,
PWR – Round 17 Two matches: Saracens v Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks v Gloucester-Hartpury (in brief) Saracens v Exeter Chiefs Brief Intro: Chiefs’ injury list was getting longer and longer. Missing faces included Alex Tessier, Cliodhna Moloney, Maisy Allen, Edel McMahon, Gabby Cantorna, Flo Long, Mikiela Nelson and Taylor Perry. This is where 6
Trailfinders v Leicester Tigers PWR – Round 17 A quite astonishing game, forget about the final score for a moment. A bounce pass from Amy Relf put Tigers under immediate pressure. They conceded a turnover and a penalty in front. Trailfinders went for the corner, but knocked on. Tigers won scrum ball but were driven
Drama and disappointment in equal measure A match of the highest quality has left both sides feeling they squandered the prize they sought. Bristol Bears achieved a momentous away win, but failed to secure an essential bonus point. Quins suffered an unwelcome home defeat, to leave them with an away tie against Sarries who demolished
These new contracts form part of the long-term plan to ensure a World Cup performance to match or improve the last one, where Italy reached the quarters for the very first time. I’ll leave my concerns till after the list. The Contracted Players: Ilaria Arrighetti (Stade Rennais, 62 caps) Alyssa D’Incà (Villorba Rugby, 26 caps)
James Cooper has announced the names of 37 Under 18s who will take part in training sessions at Bisham, starting today, Friday 14 February. Many congratulations to all of them. Full list below. A reminder: this age-level is now divided into nine areas, termed Player Development Groups (PDGs). Cunningly, each bears the name of a
This is one of the bigger match-ups the PWR has known. Not only are you getting another chance to see Iona Maher up close and personal, but here is one club desperate to make the semi-finals, the other desperate to ensure a home-tie. 6,000 tickets have already been purchased, but there’s still room for latecomers.
Premiership Women’s Rugby has today confirmed that ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Women’s Six Nations, BBC Sport has secured a deal to broadcast four matches, including the PWR final on 16 March. The matches will be live on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, as well as being broadcast live
Scott Bemand has named a 40-strong Ireland squad to train for the coming Six Nations. They are: Forwards (22): Alma Atagamen (Balbriggan)* Aoife Wafer (Blackrock College/Leinster) (11 caps) Beth Buttimer (UL Bohemian)* Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere/Ulster) (27) Christy Haney (Blackrock College/Leinster) (19) Claire Boles (Railway Union/Ulster) (3) Cliodhna Moloney (Exeter Chiefs) (38) Deirbhile Nic a
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