This is one spectator’s reading of the qualities that went to make up such an exceptional squad of players: Sarah Hunter Astonishing work-rate from a centurion. Her tackle-scores are scarcely credible and she links with her outside support more than ever. She led a highly talented team with obvious pride and pleasure. Zoe Aldcroft Her
Six Nations – Round 4 – England v Italy, Sandy Park Exeter The moment Simon Middleton announced his side to meet the Italians, we could see the outline of a potential XV to take the World Cup in two year’s time. Little room for sentiment here – the contracted players who have been mere extras
Here is the full list of the first full-time professional women rugby players: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury Womens RFC) Sarah Beckett (Firwood Waterloo Ladies) Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears Women) Hannah Botterman (Saracens Women) Jess Breach (Harlequins Ladies) Jo Brown (Loughborough Lightning) Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies) Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies) Rowena Burnfield (Richmond FC)* Bryony Cleall (Saracens
England women’s rugby is now entering its most decisive phase for many a long year. We are halfway through the three-year project that is the Tyrrells Premier 15s League. And in precisely five weeks we are promised the names of the 28 players who will be offered full-time professional contracts. The RFU wisely opted to
England Women sealed a 27-19 victory over Canada, scoring five tries on the way to victory at Doncaster’s Castle Park in the second of their three Quilter Internationals. The Red Roses led 15-7 at the break, outscoring their opponents by three tries to one. Hooker Lark Davies scored two of England’s tries, with Poppy Cleall
Where should England Women play their home matches? A geographical conundrum! Grounds England have played on (in chronological order): Waterloo Moseley Northampton Wolverhampton Wasps Sale Leicester Sunbury (= London Irish?) Leeds Blackheath Worcester Richmond Newbury (2000 – 18 years before the Development XV played there again!) Old Deer Park Richmond Twickenham (1st appearance at HQ
Simon Middleton has named his match day 23 to face Canada on Sunday 18 November at Castle Park, Doncaster (KO 2pm, live on EnglandRugby.com). Middleton makes 10 changes to the starting 15, with four new players coming in following last week’s win against USA Women at Allianz Park. Saracens back rows Poppy Cleall and
The double-header here means playing a women’s match either before or after a men’s match on the same ground. They have been warmly welcomed by most experienced women administrators and players. They benefit by introducing women’s rugby to enthusiasts who might otherwise hold it in low regard or have no opinion about it at all.
First Quilter Autumn International – Allianz Park 9 November 2018 Simon Middleton has announced the following England Squad: 15. Sarah McKenna (Saracens) 14. Lydia Thompson (Valkyries) 13. Carys Williams (Lightning)* 12. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury)* 11. Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury) 10. Katy Daley-Mclean (Lightning) 9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins) 1. Ellena Perry (Saracens)* 2. Lark Davies (Valkyries) 3. Shaunagh
Katy Daley-Mclean will earn her 100th international cap for England in the Red Roses’ opening Quilter Internationals Test against USA Women at Allianz Park on Friday (KO 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports Arena). England Women Head Coach Simon Middleton will cap four new players in the starting 15, with two additional new names on the
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