Head coach Simon Middleton has named a 30-player training squad to prepare for this weekend’s autumn international against France. Fresh from securing the 2020 Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam title in Italy nine days ago, the group re-assemble at Bisham Abbey today before flying to France for Saturday’s match in Grenoble (kick-off 1.15pm GMT) on
England Women have been crowned winners of the 2020 Women’s Six Nations, a record 16th title. A late Scotland comeback to earn a 13-13 draw with France means England cannot be caught at the top of the table, and are champions with a game to spare. The Red Roses still have one game remaining and
The closer we get to the international season, the more the excitement rises but the uncertainties pile up. The opening bout takes place on 24 October when Ireland host Italy in the Six Nations. From there a thicket of tests are squeezed in before Christmas, finishing on 20 December with two RWC qualifiers which involve
On 21 November, England take on Ireland at Twickenham Stadium (KO 15.00 GMT) for the second time in 2020; this match is the second Quilter International in Group A. Prior to the men’s match, England women will play their second of two autumn internationals against France (KO 12.00 GMT) making it a double header at
Umbro has today revealed its new England Rugby match day kit that will be worn by the England men’s and Red Roses teams, following the announcement that the global sports brand has become the Official Technical Kit Partner to England Rugby. The iconic double-diamond of Umbro goes on sale for supporters as of the 11th
Compare these two statements: ‘The growth and overall health of the women’s game are key and as a strategic priority we remain committed to investing in its future’ (CEO’s Review of the Year, RFU Annual report 2019) and: ‘Women and Sevens hardest hit by RFU cuts’ (headline, The Guardian, 1 August 2020). Even before the
Was I too Pessimistic? – I fear not – The Guardian has seen a copy of the RFU review of its financial standing and the consequences. According to Paul Rees (1 August 2020) the news could scarcely be worse for women’s rugby. The proposal is that only 30 contracts will be renewed – as against
Let’s work on the frustrating assumption that the 2021 World Cup will be postponed for a year. It isn’t inevitable; the host country has already seen large crowds back at rugby matches, but the rest of the world lags far behind in conquering Covid-19. For the Red Roses any such delay impacts on the senior
Thirty nine players were included in the England fold. Here’s an attempt to assess their contributions Sarah Hunter (captain) Fears that she might not complete the course to the World Cup were confounded by another series of dominant displays at the base of the scrum. She leads by example and the quiet word. She was
According to the original timescale England contracts are due for review next August. They become just another issue thrown into doubt by the current plague. For every Red Rose that review is of the first importance. It takes us right up to the World Cup (RWC) thirteen months beyond. Here’s a reminder of the 28
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