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 makes it so special, reminding audiences that rugby is a place for everyone.

Brought to life by the dynamic up-and-coming directing duo Pip and Lib, Where We Belong delivers an authentic portrait of the sport through the eyes of real young women and girls. Filmed across three grassroots rugby clubs in England and Wales, the piece showcases the universal values of teamwork, respect, and friendship that unite players everywhere – regardless of background or ability.

World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said: “Rugby has always been about more than what happens on the pitch: it’s a sport that welcomes everyone, no matter their background, shape, or size. With Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, we have a powerful opportunity to showcase what makes rugby so unique: not just the incredible spectacle of the tournament itself and the powerful players’ personalities, but the communities at the heart of our game and the lifelong values it instils with this true sense of belonging.”

The film is available in four languages (Japanese, French, Spanish, and English) and will be screened throughout Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in stadiums, fan zones, and on other social media platforms. World Rugby member unions will also receive the film as a promotional asset to help inspire the next generation and grow female participation in the sport.

PIP + LIB, Directors of Where We Belong, said: “From the outset, our goal was to create something honest, energetic, and empowering – a film that truly reflects the experiences of real young women and girls who play rugby across England and Wales. We kept the process simple and natural, working with a small, nimble crew so the players could just be themselves in front of the camera. Nothing was scripted – every word and every moment came directly from the girls, and their passion, grit, and love for the game shine through.

“Rugby, as they showed us, is about far more than the sport itself – it’s about teamwork, acceptance, confidence, and pushing yourself in ways you never thought possible. We’re incredibly proud of the final film and hope it inspires more girls to pick up a ball, step onto the pitch, and feel that same sense of belonging.”

Where We Belong was produced in collaboration with Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 broadcast partner HBS and Deft Touch.

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 GEORGIE PERRIS-REDDING 8 RACHEL JOHNSON

16 PAIGE STATHOPOULOS 17 ALIVIA LEATHERMAN 18 CHARLI JACOBY 19 RACHEL EHRICKE 20 FREDA TAFUNA 21 CASS BARGELL 22 KRISTIN BITTER 23 SARIAH IBARRA

The team contains some outstanding athletes (Rogers, Zackary, Johnson, Kelter), but not enough of them. The battle between the evergreen Rogers and Maud Muir should rattle a few timbers.

The staff’s job has been to raise the levels of Individual and unit skills beyond anything we’ve known before. Indeed that will be one of the great fascinations throughout the tournament.

A typical case would be McKenzie Hawkins at No 10. Can she add to her extensive repertoire to ensure her backs get more and quicker ball? And can she avoid those little slips that have occurred now and again?

A name to look for on the bench is one of the younger generation, Freda Tafuna.

For England fans it will be intriguing to see Lotte Sharp back at 15 again.

Fukofuka has set out his and the team’s approach sensibly. They know they are up against it, but have been training hard and fully deserve their places in the side on this special evening.

We wish them luck.

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 83rd cap in the match, having been selected at scrum-half, and is one of four players in the Red Roses squad who helped England to World Cup glory in 2014. She also played in the 2017 final against New Zealand and this will be her third appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.

“I am so proud to be heading to my third World Cup and more importantly first home World Cup!” Hunt posted on her LinkedIn profile. “We’re hoping to inspire the nation, just like the Lionesses have done, and build on the incredible momentum that is women’s sport right now.

Hunt studied Coach Education and Sports Development from 2007 to 2010, during which time she represented the University women’s 1st XV alongside fellow future World Cup winner Izzy Noel-Smith. She also played for England U20s and represented GB at the 2010 World University 7s Championships.

A double Olympian with Team GB in 7s, Hunt returned to the University in July 2022 when the Red Roses staged a three-week training camp at the Team Bath Sports Training Village (STV).

“I have very fond memories of being here,” she said at the time. “I’ve seen some of my old lecturers around and people who worked in the Sports Training Village while I was here so it’s been awesome to catch up with some old faces.”

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup culminates at Twickenham on Saturday 27th September, with both semi-finals taking place at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol the previous week. Defence coach for the Red Roses is Sarah Hunter, who played alongside Hunt in the 2014 and 2017 World Cup finals. She did her strength and conditioning training at the STV while living and working in Bath as University Development Officer for the South West from 2010 to 2017.

Visit teambath.com/rugby to find out more about combining rugby and studying at the University of Bath.

With thanks to Team Bath

15 KILDUNNE 14 DOW 13 JONES 12 HEARD 11 BREACH 10 HARRISON 9 HUNT 1 BOTTERNAN 2 COKAYNE 3 MUIR 4 TALLING 5 WARD 6 ALDCROFT (captain) 7 KABEYA 8 MATTHEWS

16 ATKIN-DAVIES 17 CLIFFORD 18 BERN 19 GALLIGAN 20 FEAUNATI 21 L. PACKER 22 SCARRATT 23 SING

The first essential is a win: this squad will provide one with plenty to spare.

But it leaves unanswered central questions: is this the intended line-up for the last game the Red Roses play in the tournament? Is Mitchell keeping some of his tinder dry for battles yet to come; not least the third group-stage match against the Aussies?

For me that means in particular positions 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11. It’s hard to draw a line between the current holders and their leading rivals, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Lucy Packer, Holly Aitchison and Claudia Moloney-Macdonald.

Only the staff and players will know whether all 32 players can expect to appear at least once. We must hope so.

From a personal point of view the most important selection is Emily Scarratt. It should ensure she becomes the first Englishwoman to play in five RWCs, an astonishing achievement.

The Stadium of Light is getting close to its 48k capacity. It would be a fine send-off to see “sold out” notices on the gates.

World Rugby has unveiled the most comprehensive study to date on the rise, relevance, and reach of women’s rugby, offering a strategic roadmap to help the game unlock the full commercial potential of women’s rugby globally.

• Most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken into the fan and commercial trends that underpin the sport’s global rise, relevance and reach
• New report identifies five key focus areas to propel rugby’s commercial and fan impact to new heights on and off the pitch
• World Rugby will be hosting a webinar on the report’s findings on Tuesday, 2 September, 2025.
• Download the full report HERE

World Rugby has unveiled the most comprehensive study to date on the rise, relevance, and reach of women’s rugby, offering a strategic roadmap to help the game unlock the full commercial potential of women’s rugby globally.

Drawing on newly commissioned research from seven global markets and wider market analysis, as well as new in-depth studies on fan, broadcast and commercial trends, the blueprint for growth highlights five game-changer focus areas that will propel the sport to new heights on and off the pitch:

1.   Make it impossible to miss women’s rugby: Expand broadcast deals, boost digital exposure, and create more accessible live experiences.
2.   Empower players to tell their stories: Support athlete-led content to inspire loyalty among younger, digital-first, and diverse audiences.
3.   Give fans even more opportunities to watch stars of the game: Convert tournament-driven spikes into sustained year-round engagement through storytelling, visibility, and clear links to domestic competitions.
4.   Continue to grow the playing pathways: Build diverse competition structures from schools to social play to expand the player base and grassroots passion.
5.   Lean into fluid fandom: Adapt the rugby product globally and locally to broaden access and connect with new audiences.

Published on the eve of the biggest and boldest Women’s Rugby World Cup to date, the report clearly articulates why women’s rugby will drive commercial, fan and participation growth in the sport as a whole, creating compelling benefits for national unions, governments and competition owners alike.

The time is now for women’s rugby. Women’s elite sport is projected to generate £1.8 billion globally by 2025 (Deloitte). Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 is forecast to attract up to 400,000 attendees, 50 million global viewing hours and attract a whole new fanbase for rugby – a generational moment following a huge interest spurt that has seen record attendances set and smashed and new competitions established in several nations in a three-year super growth period since the previous Women’s Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “This report’s insights are compelling and reinforce why women’s rugby is central to our strategy to grow the sport’s reach, relevance and impact. With clear focus areas, we are ready to lead in partnership with unions worldwide, and accelerate out of the back of what we know will be a  game-changing Women’s Rugby World Cup in England 2025.”

World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox added: “Women’s rugby stands on the brink of something extraordinary. Powered by world-class athletes, a passionate and growing fanbase, and a global calendar featuring Women’s Rugby World Cups in England, Australia and the USA, the sport represents one of the most dynamic opportunities in global sport. Unlocking its full potential requires strategic focus, sustained investment, and collective commitment.”

Key findings from the report include:

Rapid fan growth

• 49% of fans have joined in the last two years.
• Engagement up 65% over the past four years, rising to 72% in South Africa and 69% in the USA.
• Fans are younger (29% under 35), more gender-balanced (43% female), and family-oriented (50% with children).
• Global attendances continue to break records, including 66,000 for one day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women’s rugby sevens.

Visibility matters

•  50% of fans cite increased broadcast and digital visibility as their entry point into the sport.
•  Major tournaments are a key driver, with interest especially high in France (40%) and the UK (36%).

Powerful personalities are driving fan connection

• 39% of fans say player visibility has increased their engagement.
• USA’s Ilona Maher has 8.7m social followers, while Australia’s following is up 985% in 18 months.

The commercial opportunity

• 73% of fans agree brands play an authentic role in boosting visibility.
• Merchandise-buying women’s rugby fans spend 16% more than men’s rugby fans.

With thanks to World Rugby

They sit a proud second in world rankings, a stonking 24 places above their menfolk. Until money started pouring in, in answer to their funding campaign, most of the bare necessities for success were missing: a massive country which meant resources thinly spread; the nations’ preference for other sports and no big league to develop players – these were only three drawbacks they had to overcome. But two assets shone though: the attitude and quality of the players.

The choice of the emigre Frenchman, Kevin Rouet, to lead them has proved a blessing. He has overseen the development of a squad that comes as close as anyone’s to the English depth of talent.

One straightforward example: the welcome return of Sophie de Goede after a year-long absence did not mean an automatic return to lead the side. Rouet was happy to leave Alex Tessier in charge.

They have a distinguished place in RWC history: they have been ever-present, hosting the 2006 event. They have never finished lower than sixth.

Their big target this time is to outdo their 2014 performance, where they came close to downing the English. Emily Scarratt has a lot to answer for.

They possess outstanding players right across the park: from DaLeaka Menin up front to Julia Schell at the rear. Both they and their first-choice team-mates have formidable rivals snapping at their heels.

With so many players having experience of the English PWR, they will need far less adjustment to grounds, crowds and expectations than their major rivals crossing oceans to arrive.

In recent weeks they have seen off neighbours, the USA Eagles, for the eleventh time running. The two-match tour to South Africa was an interesting choice of destination; the 2-0 victory less of a surprise.

They have successfully (re-)integrated 7s players into the squad, led by Olivia Apps; Florence Symonds and Asia Hogan-Rochester.

With their powerful pack and menacing backs, they will offer every opponent a thorough examination. Their route through to the late stages is close to a given.

Fixtures:

23 August v Fiji (York)
30 August v Wales (Salford)
6 September v Scotland (Exeter)

• Fourteen female coaches from 14 nations join Gallagher High Performance Academy’s latest cohort
• 32% of coaches at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be female, up from 15% in 2021
• Female coaches at Women’s Rugby World Cup have quadrupled since 2021, from six to 23
• Three female head coaches named for 2025 (France, Australia, Japan)
• USA and Samoa lead the way with majority-female coaching teams
• Of the 281 staff across the management teams for all 16 unions, 40% are women
• Record-breaking representation marks a major step forward for women in rugby coaching

The 2025 tournament will feature a record 32% female coaches, more than double the figure from Rugby World Cup 2021 (15%), reflecting the sport’s accelerating commitment to gender equity in high-performance environments. The number of female coaches has risen from six in 2021 to 23 confirmed for 2025. Of the 281 total staff across the management teams for all 16 unions, 40% are women.

Since its inception, 43 female coaches have completed the Gallagher High Performance Academy programme, gaining invaluable exposure to elite-level coaching, mentorship, and international competition. Of this group, 11 are returning coaches, who have had the opportunity to build on their previous experiences; deepening their knowledge, refining their skills, and expanding their influence within the game.

The new cohort includes coaches from 14 nations, spanning every region and highlighting the global success of the Gallagher High Performance Academy initiative:

1. Aroa González (Spain)
2. Bella Milo (Samoa)
3. Carolyn McEwen (Canada)
4. Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin (Wales)
5. Gaëlle Mignot (France)
6. Gill Bourke (Australia)
7. Kelly Griffin (USA)
8. Larissa Muldoon (Ireland)
9. Michela Merlo (Italy)
10. Nivia Ferreira (Brazil)
11. Noriko Taniguchi (Japan)
12. Sarah Hunter (England)
13. Tavaita Rowati (Fiji)
14. Zenay Jordaan (South Africa)

For the first time in Women’s Rugby World Cup history, three female head coaches will take the helm of national teams:  France, Australia, and Japan. This compares with one (Japan) in 2021.

National team coaching representation also shows remarkable progress: the USA will field 75% female coaches (three of four), while Samoa will have 60% female coaches (three of five).

The progress in women’s rugby coaching stands out in the wider sporting landscape. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, women represented roughly 13% of all coaches, echoing the figure from Tokyo 2020. The recent UEFA Women’s European Championship 2025 leads the way, with 43.75% female coaches – a seismic leap from just 18.75% in 2013.

While every sport is on its own journey, rugby’s upward trajectory to 32% female coaches at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 underscores a continued, global push for gender equity in high-performance coaching, driving lasting change across the global sporting landscape.

Sally Horrox, World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby, said: “These record-breaking figures are a clear sign of the momentum building for women in high-performance coaching. The Gallagher High Performance Academy is not just creating opportunities for the coaches involved, it is accelerating progress across the game, providing role models for the next generation, and ensuring that rugby reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. By embedding more women in leadership roles on the world stage, we are driving lasting change that will benefit the sport for years to come.”

Christopher Mead, Chief Marketing Officer for Gallagher, said: “Our key objective when launching the Gallagher High Performance Academy in 2023 was to provide a meaningful pathway and increase the prominence of female coaches, and other high-performance roles, at elite levels of the sport – increasing the competitiveness of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

“The number of female coaches at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup and female coaches embedded with their national teams is a true testament to the program’s global success.

“The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of the women’s game and will provide Gallagher High Performance Academy coaches with invaluable hands-on experience, in the ultimate sporting environment. Their involvement and success will help to inspire others female coaches, representing multiple Unions and across all formats of the game. We are extremely proud of this lasting impact on the women’s game.”

Gaëlle Mignot, joint-head coach of France and GHPA coach, said: “Every day I get something positive out of my work. I’ve had the opportunity to pass on my passion for rugby to different audiences – young people, adults with disabilities, autistic or hyper-active children, all the boys’ and girls’ categories, right through to the professional sector – all of which has enriched me enormously. I’m looking forward to learning from new experiences and exchanging ideas on managing a female audience and gaining a different perspective on the game.”

The Gallagher High Performance Academy, a joint initiative between World Rugby and Gallagher, was launched in 2023, and provides emerging and elite female coaches with world-class mentoring, development workshops, as well as hands-on experience across both sevens and 15s formats. This year’s programme will run alongside Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, which is set to be the biggest edition of the tournament yet, ensuring coaches work at the heart of the competition environment.

Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is an Official Partner of Women’s Rugby, WXV 2023 and 2024, and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

With thanks to World Rugby

Steelbacks women received a boost to their semi-final qualification chances, staging a dramatic turn-around that saw both teams lost all their wickets, playing on a pitch that ‘turned.’ POTM bowler Ella Phillips – pictured made the vital breakthrough, taking a match-winning ‘4-fer’ (taking 4 wickets/conceding 25 runs.) Photo: Ella Phillips – (right), pictured with ‘All-Rounder’ Amelia Kemp. Earlier, Sharks women looked set for a convincing win, when spinner Ava Lee took a ’5-fer’ (taking 5 wickets/conceding 18 runs.) Sharks women openers (Izzy Collis and Mollie Adams) making a promising start until irrevocable batting collapse switched match-advantage to the hosts. Astonishingly, eight Sharks women batters departed for thirteen runs, with four collecting ‘ducks.’ That bought about a premature end as Steelbacks women discovered they’d collected valuable qualifying points, albeit winning with a lower net-run-rate. Weather: bright sunshine around 20C.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks women wearing purple with light-blue splash over dark blue with dark helmets; skipper Anisha Patel (50ov.) *[Mollie Adams keeping wicket for Sharks] *debutante Anna Lewis,*with Chloe Hill (formerly of Rapids), *with Michaela Kirk *(Blaze loan); *Amelia Kemp was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by seamer Anna Buckle; *After ten overs power-play: 60/1; *Playing across-the-line, Michaela Kirk was bowled  ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by Anna Buckle; *May Drinkell was bowled was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ with bails sent flying by spinner Ava Lee; *Chloe Hill went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Ava Lee; *Katherine Speed ‘hit-wicket,’ dislodging ‘middle-and-off’ bail, from Ava Lee; *Mis-timing a ‘swipe,’ Bella Howarth was caught behind by keeper Mollie Adams, from Ava Lee; *By mid-way (25 ov) 108/9; *Gemma Marriott was bowled by Ava Lee; *Alicia Presland was caught aerial ‘in-the-covers’ by Ava Lee, from Anna Lewis; *Ella Phillips was caught aerial at ‘backward point’ by Anna Lewis, from Tia Stanley; *Mis-timing a cut, Anisha Patel was bowled ‘through-the-gate’ by Talitha ‘Tia’ Stanley; Steelbacks (women) batting: Chloe Hill28(43), Gemma Marriott22(48), Anisha Patel17(44), Michaela Kirk15(13), Ella Phillips15(50), Amelia Kemp14(22), Alicia Presland12(13); Sharks (women) bowling: Ava Lee 5/18, Talitha ‘Tia’ Stanley 2/32, Anna Buckle 2/38, Anna Lewis 1/20;

Sussex Sharks women wearing wearing pink over black with black chevron *skipper Chiara Green *[Chloe Hill keeping wicket for Steelbacks]; *with Nancy Harman and Ava Lee (Hants loans) *with Indigo Gentry (Surrey Women’s Academy loan & Intern for Sussex Cricket Commercial dept.), without Mary Taylor (Hants) or Millie Taylor (Warwicks/Bears) playing in the Women’s ‘Hundred’; *After ten overs power-play: 49/0 (vs 60/1); *Mis-timing a ‘drive,’ Mollie Adams was caught at ‘extra-cover’ by Bella Howarth, from Gemma Marriott; *Next over, playing forward defence, Phoebe Wilkinson went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Amelia Kemp, for a third-ball ‘duck; *Nancy Harman was ‘run-out’ from ‘square’ by Alicia Presland’s direct-hit to the non-striker’s end, from Ella Phillips; *Four balls later Izzy Collis was caught at ‘short-mid-wicket’ by Michaela Kirk, from Anisha Patel; *Mis-timing a ‘drive,’ Chiara Green, was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Gemma Marriott, from Ella Phillips; *Rachel King was ‘run-out’ from ‘short-mid-wicket’ by Alicia Presland’s direct-hit to the non-striker’s end; *Next ball, Ava Lee was bowled beneath her bat by Ella Phillips for a sixth-ball ‘duck’; *Next over, Indigo Gentry went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Anisha Patel, for a ninth-ball ‘duck’; *Three balls later, Talitha ‘Tia’ Stanley went ‘leg-before’ to Ella Phillips; *By mid-way (25 ov) 108/9 (vs 109/6); *Finally, Anna Lewis was caught at ‘square’ by Alicia Presland from Ella Phillips, for a fourth-ball ‘duck; Sharks women batting: Mollie Adams40(35), Izzy Collis38(55), Nancy Harman10(23); Steelbacks women bowling: Ella Phillips 4/25, Anisha Patel 2/19, Amelia Kemp 1/15, Gemma Marriott 1/18;

Match result: Northamptonshire Steelbacks women 171 ‘All out’ (@3.8 runs-per-over from 43.5/50overs) beat Sussex Sharks women 114 ‘All out’ (@ 4.3 r-p-o from 26.1/50overs, target 172 from 50/50 ov.) by 57 runs  with 143 balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m1ac47231-f07c-4c82-a81a-d9b1d4f209d5

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225609#SUS & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/northamptonshire-steelbacks-women-v-sussex-sharks-women/scorecard/72c995c0-ed79-588a-ac49-b5772131c6d1

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/05/22/metro-bank-league-one-fixtures-and-results-up-to-may-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/05/25/metro-bank-league-two-fixtures-and-results-up-to-may-2025/

Footnote: Fixture originally scheduled for Northampton County Ground on 16 August

Les Bleues have everything to play for.

Theirs is an unlikely story at the World Cup: they have been ever-present, ever a threat, yet in nine attempts they have finished third seven times. Only once, in 1988, have they failed to reach the semis.

Their first opponents are old rivals Italy at Sandy Park; so their version of the official welcome took place at Exeter Cathedral. The majesty of the setting took their breath away. They hadn’t expected anything on this level of grandeur.(A feather in the cap of the organizers).

Every player has now been presented with her own tournament cap – another imaginative gesture. The French wore theirs at jaunty angles for the official photo, with the cathedral as an imposing backdrop.

Their chances

I fear they remain no better than in the past.

There remains the usual proviso: “If everything clicks”, but it so rarely does when the result really matters.

They have beaten all their main rivals (New Zealand, Canada, England) in the past, but they haven’t convinced even their most die-hard supporters that they can repeat these achievements to order.

Their website has published their past record in some detail.

But across three long lists – appearances, try-scorers and points-scorers – only two names appear from this coming tournament. One is the co-coach, Gaelle Mignot; the other is Romane Menager – but it is her sister Marine who makes the trip – injury once again!

It’s hard to put a finger on the causes of French lack of success. A prime one may well prove to be the nature of their contracts, far removed from the English – and several others.

A second brings us back to selection, a topic I may have mentioned a few dozen times before.

Take for example the addition of these five players to the group: Makarita Baleinadogo, Khoudedia Cissockho, Hina Ikahehegi, Taina Maka and Marie Morland. Each has enormous talent and potential, but between them they have gained a mere seven caps. The first and last named may make their debut in England.

Add to them Carla Neisen, highly experienced with 27 caps. But she had devoted herself mainly to 7s till a recent call-up to play England.

With a player-depth similar to England’s, we are left wondering why these extremes of selection have occurred. Every nation has been faced with unwanted absences; the French management hasn’t shown itself capable of preparing for them successfully.

As they complete their training sessions in Exeter, the squad can look forward to another trouble-free passage to the knock-outs; two straightforward wins against Brazil and South Africa; but first the Italy game on Saturday that is vital to obtain the best possible route to ultimate success.

That bridge to a first final? Fingers firmly crossed.

Fixtures

23 August v Italy at Sandy Park
31 August v Brazil at Sandy Park
7 September v South Africa at Northampton

Glamorgan women secured their place in the ‘tier-two’ semi-finals with six wickets victory over Kent (Horses); aiming to finish in second place to play at home. Glamorgan women’s reply was dominated by skipper Lauren Parfitt – pictured [111*not out(from 125 balls)] who carried her bat when posting her best ‘A-list’ score, from fifteen ‘fours’ and three ’sixes.’ Photo: Lauren Parfitt – pictured (right), with sister Georgia Parfitt who kept wicket. Fellow Wales international Beth Gammon scored 35 (from 38 balls.) Earlier, Kent (Horses) women recovered well, from 11/3. Top-scorer Elsa Barnfather [65 runs(from 101 balls)] staged two partnerships, her first with Amy Gordon adding 55 for Kent women’s 4th wicket; followed by a fifth-wicket stand partnered by Coco Streets adding another 67. Bonus ‘fifty’ cameo between Sophie Singer and debutante Laura Bailey added 57. Home-team commentators: Nick Dillam (Kent Cricket News) with Liam Knight (for Kent Cricket, media & communications manager) and guest Kent players Mollie Davis (commentary) and Megan Belt (guest). Weather: high grey clouds, no sign of rain, unusually cool 16C.

Kent (Horses) women wearing ‘sky’-blue with white shoulder trim over dark blue *skipper Coco Streets *[Georgia Parfitt keeping wicket for Glamorgan wearing ‘pastel-blue’ gloves;] with Megan Sturge (Hampshire loan); *debutante Jemima Spence (Surrey loan keeping wicket for remaining matches) *without resident skipper Megan Belt (guest, commentary), Mollie Davis (leading for commentary) or Alice Grant (named on scorecard, replaced by Spence); *Promoted to opener, Ella Darlington was caught-and-bowled by Gemma Porter; *Megan Sturge went for a ‘carbon-copy’ dismissal, for a fifth-ball ‘duck; *Commentator’s curse struck when Jemima Spence was caught behind by keeper Georgia Parfitt, from Ellie Anderson; *After ten overs power-play: 30/3; *Said to be a ‘soft dismissal’, Amy Gordon went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Poppy Walker; *By mid-way (25 overs) 94/4; *Coco Streets was caught by Ellie Anderson, from Poppy Walker; *Top-scorer Elsa Barnfather was stumped by keeper Georgia Parfitt from Katie Cobb ; *Playing an impressive cameo, Sophie Singer was ‘run-out’ by Beth Gammon’s throw to Ellie Anderson receiving at the non-striker’s end; Kent (Horses) women batting: Elsa Barnfather65(101), Sophie Singer35(48), Amy Gordon32(42), Coco Streets32(55); Glamorgan women bowling: Poppy Walker 2/46, Gemma Porter 2/60, Katie Cobb 1/29, Ellie Anderson 1/35;

Glamorgan women wearing daffodil yellow over dark-blue with yellow helmets; *skipper Lauren Parfitt *[Jemima Spence keeping wicket for Kent (Horses) women]; *with Beth Gammon, Lauren Parfitt (Wales internationals), plus Abbey Freeborn & Bethan Ellis (Warwickshire loans) *also with Emily Burke replacing Emma Marlow; *Also with Ellie Anderson (Somerset loan) replacing Lizzie Scott; *Commentators astonished to witness Megan Sturge (usually keeping wicket) opening the bowling with her ‘leg-spin;’ *Abbey Freeborn was caught by keeper Jemima Spence, from Isabella James; *After ten overs power-play: 47/1 (vs 30/3); *Beth Gammon was stumped by keeper Jemima Spence, from Isabella James; *By mid-way (25 ov.) 141/2 (vs 94/4); *Emily Burke was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Sydney Gorham, from Sophie Singer’s leg-spin; *Charlotte Scarborough was ‘run-out’ from ‘deep-backward-square’ by Zeena Bilal’s throw to Amy Gordon receiving at the non-striker’s end; Glamorgan women batting: Lauren Parfitt111*not out(125), Beth Gammon35(38), Charlotte Scarborough18(25) Abbey Freeborn17(25) Emily Burke10(18); Kent (Horses) women bowling: Isabella James 2/37, Sophie Singer 1/38;

Match result: Glamorgan women 228/4  (@5.4 runs-per-over from 41.3/50ov, target 229 from 50/50 ov.) beat Kent (Horses) women 227/7 (@ 4.5 r-p-o from 50/50overs) by six wickets with 51 balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#mb7aba090-0c67-41b0-adf6-5aab055a6668

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225607 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/kent-women-v-glamorgan-women/scorecard/8041345e-50bc-550a-a1b7-f5f384469225

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of Kent Cricket and their Livestream partner Cluberly (nv play) via YouTube [06h11m15s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNfO0IyFiaU

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/05/22/metro-bank-league-one-fixtures-and-results-up-to-may-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2025/05/25/metro-bank-league-two-fixtures-and-results-up-to-may-2025/

Footnote: actual photo taken post-match