RICHMOND RUGBY CLUB: ASSISTANT COACHES WOMEN’S SECTION

The Richmond Women’s Section is a fully integrated section of the wider Richmond Rugby Club. Following the recent appointment of our new Head Coach, the club is now looking to recruit a total of 3 x Assistant Coaches as part of the Women’s Section coaching team.

Each Assistant Coach will be responsible for the delivery of sessions devised by the Head Coach and support him in the running and training development of both the First and Second XV squads.

The First XV will play in the RFU Championship South. The location of the Second XV is yet to be decided by the RFU. The First XV squad consists of a number of established senior TP15s players and many others with experience of playing in the TP15s Development League. The Women’s Championship South competition dates and official return to play date are yet to be confirmed by the RFU. However fixtures will be played on both Saturdays and Sundays, with club training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Whilst this is not a full time position, the nature of the role will require the successful candidates to be able to put in the requisite time and commitment to the role. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone who currently has their Level 3 or is working towards this qualification, as it will expand their coaching experience given the calibre of the players involved.

REPORTS TO: The Assistant Coaches will be appointed by the Richmond Director of Rugby and report directly to the Women’s Section Head Coach.

DURATION: Appointed in Summer 2020 for the 2020/21 domestic league season.

SALARY: There is a budget for expense remuneration that will be subject of discussion upon appointment of the successful candidates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ideally hold or be working towards a current Level 3 RFU coaching qualification or its equivalent.
• Be an experienced and successful rugby coach at senior level and had previous management/coaching or playing experience in senior rugby sides (This
• will require references).
• Will possess a current and valid DBS disclosure certificate.
• Have excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate at all levels.
• Be hardworking, honest, trustworthy and able to buy into and positively shape the culture and ethos of the section and club

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To help deliver the training plan as devised by the Head Coach for the Women’s Section. This will include the league and competition phases.
• Implement / coach the attacking and defensive strategies for all squads as directed by the Head Coach.
• Support the Head Coach on delivery of the First XV and Second XV squad training sessions and assist / lead on match days, ensuring that all training sessions are focused and directed to maximise player development, intensity and enjoyment.
• Assist in on-going player feedback as directed by the Head Coach; to include individual feedback for players’ IDPs.
• Embody and drive good on and off-field behaviours in line with club values and the Women’s Sections culture as defined by the Head Coach.

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 28th July 2020
The club would like to have the successful candidate in place by early August.

HOW TO APPLY: Please email your up to date rugby and employment CV to:
Richmond Director of Rugby Steve Hill on steveh@richmondfc.co.uk
Women’s Head Coach Mark Cadogan on markc@richmondfc.co.uk

Mark, who is an RFU Level 3 qualified coach, joins Richmond from Harlequins Women where he was Assistant Coach for the Women’s First XV and the Lead Coach for the Development Squad and the Centre of Excellence.

During his time with Harlequins, Mark played a key role in the success of the Women’s programme, helping the first-team finish runners-up in the Premier 15s in the last three seasons, as well as coaching the Development Squad to 10 wins from 12 matches in season 2019/20.

Mark has also previously coached at the Warlingham RFC, Rosslyn Park FC, Surrey Rugby and the HMP Feltham Young Offenders Rugby Programme.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark said: “I am extremely excited to be joining Richmond Women as their Head Coach and leading the club into an exciting new chapter in their proud history. Richmond have been pioneers for the women’s game for nearly 35 years and I am looking forward to working with the players and coaches to forge our own legacy and build a culture that precedes performance.

“I would like to thank everyone at Harlequins Women for their support over the last three years. I was privileged to work with an exceptional group of players, coaches and support staff and I wish them all the very best in the next Premier 15s cycle.”

Richmond Rugby looks forward to welcoming Mark to the Athletic Ground as we start preparing for the 2020/21 season in the Women’s Championship South. Mark will be meeting with the players and staff over the coming weeks as we look to begin a safe return to rugby. The club is now in the process of identifying and appointing Mark’s Assistant Coaches.

You can watch Richmond’s interview with Mark Cadogan here.

Worcester Valkyries’ first home game of the season ended in a 43-12 defeat at the hands of Richmond Women at a rainy Sixways Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Richmond have looked a different side in recent months, with a huge defensive side to their game backing up a love of ball carrying, and a work ethic that few sides can match. The results have followed, with three wins in their last four, not to mention a strong showing in defeat at Saracens, and Richmond will be looking to make it four from five on Saturday.

“We are a much more settled and developed team now,” said Abi Chamberlain, who recently played her 100^th game for the club, “and with the wins against Waterloo and DMP, and the 2nd team wins against Sheffield and Bristol, we are focusing on keeping the momentum going into the game today.”

Chamberlain takes her spot at 15 this time out, with Sanna Westman returning to the fly half shirt. Maria Gyolcsos and Rachel Laqeretabua were both impressive against Firwood Waterloo last time out, and with the former’s move into the centres, their chances to link up and create will only be increased.

Up front, Row Burnfield’s England duties see Sian Hobday once again step into the second row, while Gaelle Mignot is overlooked by France, meaning she is available to take her place in a strong front row. Elsewhere, it’s as you were for the victory over Firwood Waterloo, with the strong ball-carrying back row once again trusted to cause problems for their visitors.

Richmond Team

1. Laura Kapo (c)
2. Gaelle Mignot
3. Anna Butler
4. Sian Hobday
5. Claire Phelps
6. Rebecca Ball
7. Zoe Barber
8. Libby Povey
9. Charlotte Keane
10. Sanna Westman
11. Rachel Laqeretabua
12. Vic Britland
13. Maria Glycscos
14. Emelie Hellgren
15. Abi Chamberlain

16. Alex Zdunek
17. Chloe Butler
18. Charlie Willett
19. Tess Braunerova
20. Jade Wong
21. Kirsty-Lee Griffiths
22. Oli Davies

Report courtesy of Richmond FC

After winning three of their first matches this season, Mobbs-Smith’s side have faltered in recent weeks, and will be keen to get back to winning ways against a Wasps side who have picked up eight bonus points in eight games.

Rustiness might be an issue for some after the league took a three week hiatus for international reasons, but Richmond will be boosted by the form of captain Rowena Burnfield in recent weeks – the second row returning to England action for the first time since 2015. After playing in two of the three victories against Canada, Burnfield returns to the Richmond engine room alongside Claire Phelps in a familiar looking partnership.

A powerful front row trio of Laura Kapo, Gaelle Mignot and Victoria Meki have Richmond looking strong up front, while big ball carriers Zoe Barber, Libby Povey and number eight Chloe Butler take their places in the back row.

The backline has a very familiar look to it, with the experience of Abi Chamberlain and Jade Knight at halfbacks key to the pace of Richmond’s game. The ever-mobile Kirsty Lee Griffiths shuffles out to the wing, meanwhile, with Jade Wong coming into the starting line-up to join Vic Britland in the centres. Alicia McComish starts on the other wing, with Katie Wallis once again offering security from the number 15 spot.

On the bench, meanwhile, Anna Butler and Alice Soper back up the front three, with Sian Hobday and Becky Ball respectively ready to come on and inject some ball-carrying power to the second and back rows.

In the backs, Charlotte Keane will once again back up Jade Knight at nine, with Kiri Lose – fresh from being vice captain for the British Police side over the international break – ready to come on out wide. Finally, Rosie Neal wears 22, the former Stocksbridge centre ready to make her first team debut for Richmond in the centres.

RICHMOND TEAM

15 Katie Wallis

14 Kirsty Lee-Griffiths

13 Jade Wong

12 Vic Britland

11 Alicia McComish

10 Abi Chamberlain

9 Jade Knight

1 Laura Kapo

2 Gaelle Mignot

3 Victoria Meki

4 Rowena Burnfield (Capt)

5 Claire Phelps

6 Zoe Barber

7 Libby Povey

8 Chloe Butler

16 Anna Butler

17 Alice Soper

18 Sian Hobday

19 Rebecca Ball

20 Char Keane

21 Kiri Lose

22 Rosie Neal

Report courtesy of Richmond FC

Having been one of the pace-setters in the opening two rounds, Richmond were brought back down to earth with a 29-0 defeat on the road.  Mobbs-Smith will be hoping his changes will breathe life into his side as they take on Worcester, who are yet to earn a point this season, at the Athletic Ground.

In the pack, French captain Gaelle Mignot moves to hooker with the versatile Victoria Meki starting at prop. Club stalwart Laura Kapo starts in the No 1 jersey in what is set to be her 100^th appearance in the old gold, red and black of Richmond.  She will no doubt hope to get back to her try-scoring form of Round Two in her milestone appearance.

Second row Sian Hobday returns to partner Rowena Burnfield with Fran Hall shifting back to her usual openside berth.

Zoe Barber continues in the back row, this time on the blindside with the ever present Claire Phelps providing dynamism and power form the base.

In the backs, centre Tamsin Barber comes in to make her first start in the No 12 jersey, Victoria Britland makes way and will look to make an impact from the bench.

Barber partners Jade Wong in the midfield with Steffi Clarke promoted to scrum-half after a stunning performance in the 2^nd team’s victory over Wasps on Sunday.

Clarke partners Abi Chamberlain in the half backs.  The fly half has been a constant in the three league games to date and will be hoping her side can propel themselves up the table with victory over Worcester.

Anna De Rossi continues on the left wing with Emelie Hellgren another of the players promoted to start in the first team.  Katie Wallis completes the line up at full-back.

On the bench, the impressive Libby Povey and Kirsty Lee Griffiths complete the four promoted from the 2^nd XV with Kiri Lose, Sophie Barnett, Emily CV Stone and front row Anna Butler also included in the match day 22.

Mobbs-Smith will be expecting a big reaction from his side that performed superbly in the first two rounds and remain within touching distance of the top two.

“There are a number of changes from the Gloucester-Hartpury match day squad of 22,” said Mobbs-Smith.

“After their performances in the 2nd XV win against Wasps there are starts for Steffi Clarke and Emily Hellgren and places on the bench for Libby Povey and Kirsty Lee Griffiths.

“In defeat last weekend on the road the performance was good and the squad’s intention is to turn performance into points. Worcester having started the new campaign on the back foot will be looking to change their current run of form.”

Richmond Team

15 Katie Wallis

14 Emelie Hellgren

13 Jade Wong

12 Tamsin Barber

11 Anna De Rossi

10 Abi Chamberlain

9 Steffi Clarke

1 Laura Kapo

2 Gaelle Mignot

3 Victoria Meki

4 Rowena Burnfield

5 Sian Hobday

6 Zoe Barber

7 Fran Hall

8 Claire Phelps

Replacements

16 Anna Butler

17 Sophie Barnett

18 Libby Povey

19 Emily CV Stone

20 Vic Britland

21 Kirsty Lee Griffiths

22 Kiri Lose

Lead photo shows Fran Hall supported by Zoe Barber and Morgan Simpson

Report courtesy of Richmond FC

Mignot 30, has won 69 caps as hooker for France, and has been the captain of the national team since 2014. She participated in each of the last three Women’s Rugby World Cups where France has finished 3rd twice and 4th in 2010, and has also been part of the French team that has twice won the 6 Nations, including securing a Grand Slam in 2014.

At Club level Mignot has been equally successful, winning 5 French championships with Montpellier between 2009-2017, as well as a European title in 2008.

David Mobbs-Smith, Richmond Women’s Director of Rugby, commented, “We are thrilled to attract someone of Gaelle’s quality and vast international experience to Richmond, and we are excited that she will bring some real dynamism to the front row and showcase her leadership skills within the squad. The Tyrrells Premier 15s is a really competitive league, and getting someone with Gaelle’s competitive instincts can only help us in the tough season ahead.”

Mignot, who will also be providing coaching sessions for Surrey Rugby, added, “I am thrilled to join a club with such a rich history as Richmond. I am equally proud to be participating in the new era of women’s rugby with the launch of the Tyrrells Premier 15s. I am coming here to help the team achieve their highest ambitions.”

In her role with Surrey Rugby, Malcolm Caird, the county’s RFU Council Representative remarked, “Surrey are currently heavily investing in women’s rugby, and as such it is a fantastic opportunity to have someone of Gaelle’s drive working with us.”

Mignot starts training with the Richmond squad this week and will be available for selection for Richmond Women’s next game in the Tyrrells Premier 15s away to Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC on September 30th.

Report courtesy of Richmond Women 

They got off to a quick start with Hall opening the score after just five minutes by touching down in the corner. The rest of the first period saw a strong battle between the forwards.

The score remained unchanged until Richmond’s Britland received a yellow card, which opened up some space for the Sharks to level the scores through a try from Kerr. The half time came to a close with a second try for the homeside, scored by Richmond’s Laqeretabua on her first appearance for the South West London side.

The second half was a master class from Richmond’s Chamberlain who kept her team in the right part of the field through some great play from the boot. Laura Kapo also shone, scoringd no less than three tries bringing the score to 27-5. The Sharks fought hard and were finally rewarded at the death with a second try. The match ended 27-10 giving Richmond a second bonus point win and the top of the table position.

Teams:
Richmond 1. M.Simpson, 2. Z.Barber, 3. L.Kapo, 4. R.Burnfield, 5. S.Hobday, 6. R.Ball, 7. F.Hall, 8. C.Phelps, 9. C.Keane, 10. A.Chamberlain, 11. R.Laqeretabua, 12. V.Britland, 13. J.Wong, 14. M.Gyolcsos, 15. K.Wallis; 16. A-M.Butler, 17. V.Meki, 18. S.Barnett, 19. S.Vestman-Stromberg, 20. E.Hellgren, 21. T.Braunerova, 22. K.Lose

DMP Sharks 1. L.Cockburn, 2. A.Webster, 3. H.Keer, 5. T.Cowan, 4. R.Turner, 8. C.Lewis, 7. J.Brown, 6. R. Manson, 9. E.Kelly, 10. R.Scholes, 11. C.Macdonald, 12. H.Morton, 13. L.Taylor, 14. R.Blount, 15. K.Hobson; 1. L.Rigby, 17. I.Keirl, 18. E.Tuvotu, 19.E.Blacklock, 20. A.Lewis, 21. J.Merrin, 22. F.Dewar

Report courtesy of Richmond FC

Debutant Brooke Bradley controlled the game brilliantly alongside University of Bristol student Lucy Attwood who was at fly half. Tries in the first half came from Kate Newton (sponsored by John Hill Coach Sales), Maeve Liston, Becki Belcher and Vicky Foxwell.

Liston and Belcher found freedom on the wing as they used their pace and footwork to out run the Richmond defending line, whilst Newton showed her strength to take the ball over the line just under the post.

The second half saw another four tries, earning Bristol the bonus point win, as Liston got her second. A storming run and try from Liv Jones (sponsored by St James Place Wealth Management) pleased the crowds gathered at Cleve RFC with the biggest cheer of the afternoon, whilst Hooker Clara Nielson and Captain Amelia Buckland Hurry also touched down for Bristol.

Lucy Attwood converted three of the eight scores, taking the final score to 46 – 0. This was a strong performance from the home side, who have thirteen players out on international duty, showing the strength and depth of the Bristol squad as we move into the next round of fixtures.

Thank you also to Clevedon RFC U13s Girls who came down to support us today.

Our next cup game is home against Wasps on the 19th February, and next week the 2nd XV travel away to Plymouth in the South West Championship Two competition.

Report courtesy of Bristol Ladies Media Manager – Emma Bacon

A strong kick off from England fly half Katy Mclean gave the Sharks a good start as they tried to assert themselves early on in the game. Picking out their strong, direct runners, they battered away at the try line for 10 mins but were unable to find a way through as the home defence held strong.

Richmond turned over possession on their try line and worked their way back up the pitch through big carries from Alex Matthews and Claire Phelps and some accurate kicking from Kay Wilson.

The first points of the game went to Richmond Captain Emma Croker after a text book catch and drive from a lineout.

Both sides played some excellent running rugby but it was Richmond who made the most of possession. The forwards trundled up the pitch with a great series of pick and goes until they were 5 metres out from the try line. Scrum half Jade Wong popped the ball short down the blind side to flanker Fran Hall who kicked the ball on for Wong to regather and dive over the line 36 minutes in. The half time score stood at 10-0.

Richmond carried through their confidence and belief into the second half. The backs broke into their stride and some simple but well executed handling down the back line put winger Kiri Lose in just enough space to sprint down the side line. Lose had the pace and skill to finish and touch down in the corner, despite the high covering tackle.

Another try soon followed as the Richmond team really began to gel. They weren’t afraid to spread the ball wide between touch lines and run at the Sharks defence hard. Prop Anna Butler scored her first ever try in her 11-year career.

66 minutes in, holes began to appear in the Sharks defensive line and Croker was quick to exploit them, bursting through the midfield and she showed her pace to cross the try line.

Wilson was next to get on the scoreboard for Richmond after the girls in red, black and gold secured turnover ball in their own 22, releasing Wilson to sprint for the posts.

In the final five minutes of the game Richmond were reduced to 14 when replacement prop Alex Zdunek was sent to the bin for repeat team offences. Sharks found a sudden burst of energy a scored five points with a driving maul of their own.

In the last play of the game, Sharks had the final say when Zoe Aldcroft barged her way over the line, taking a few defenders with her.

The final score stood at 30 – 10, meaning Richmond stay above DMP in the table and add another bonus point to their tally.

The final Women’s Premiership game of the season sees Richmond travel to Lichfield on 26^th March.

Report courtesy of Richmond Women