The Red Roses’ second training session of pre-season shows subtle differences from John Mitchell’s policy of last year. The total number of players called up is as large as I have known it, 42, but no fewer than 18 will be missing as they prepare for the PWR final. So curiously, coaches will have to
Twelve women will immerse themselves in their high performance management teams as part of the Gallagher High Performance Academy (GHPA) World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025 programme The programme has supported 32 female coaches across sevens and 15s since 2023 GHPA continues to expand globally with seven new countries set to take part in the
World Rugby has confirmed updated Emirates Match Official appointments for four matches in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2025 following an injury suffered by Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand). Ganley had been due to referee Italy v Ireland in Parma on 30 March, but Ella Goldsmith (Australia) will now take charge of this match. Clara Munarini
News that Exeter Chiefs, in their wisdom, have decided not to extend the contract of their head coach, Susie Appleby, reduces the number of female coaches to a round zero. The only other woman in charge, Rachel Taylor, was given her marching orders by Sale Sharks in January. These developments fly in the face of
An eventful month with a dramatic kick in the tail 1 February Celtic Challenge: Gwalia Lightning 26 Edinburgh Rugby 5; Glasgow Warriors 21 Wolfhounds 61; Gwalia stand second behind Wolfhounds 1 February Latin Cup: Benetton Rugby 38 Iberians Majadahonda 10 (Barcelona); Zebre Parma 17 Iberians Elche 22 (Parma) 1 February Sisilia Tuipulotu (Wales) misses the
The eighth edition of Super W starts on the last day of February. On balance, it’s optimism and growth for Aussie rugby this year. The one downside was seeing Melbourne Rebels drop out. They had suffered a torrid time across previous seasons and debts mounted up to the point where they folded. Beyond that the
Twelve international men’s and women’s sides are in Cape Town for round 1 of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger on 1-2 March, the first step towards qualifying for next year’s HSBC SVNS. Opening two rounds of the World Rugby HSBC Challenger 2025 take place at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 1-2 and 7-8
Loughborough Lightning have re-signed Krissy Scurfield for the 2025/26 season after an extraordinary first campaign in Premiership Women’s Rugby. The rapid winger lit up the league scoring a remarkable 14 tries in 12 games, including a four-try haul against Sale Sharks and braces against Saracens, Leicester Tigers and Bristol Bears. Scurfield arrived at Loughborough while
Fixtures Saturday 1 March: Saracens v Harlequins, StoneX Stadium, KO 15.00, TNT Sunday 2 March: Gloucester-Hartpury v Bristol Bears, Queensholm, KO 15.00 TNT and BBC iPlayer It’s no surprise that the tightest run-in to the finals we have yet known gives all four clubs the chance of ultimate victory. All have match-winners capable of turning
As we await the last three games of the 2025 PWR season, let’s take a look around to see what’s been happening, and what is to come. Here are a few topics. Exodus Every end of season sees changes in personnel. This year’s offer two head coaches leaving their post: Rachel Taylor (Sale Sharks) and
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