Wales, Ireland and Scotland The three Celtic lands share much in common, not least a sense of having to catch up after years of neglect by their respective unions. All have been through a slough of despond for too long. The boards have finally seen the light and attempted to correct faults. Contracts are in
Bryan Easson has listed the following 36 players: Forwards: Leah Bartlett and Christine Belisle (both Loughborough), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Elliann Clarke (University of Edinburgh), Lisa Cockburn (University of Worcester Warriors), *Fiona Cooper (Wasps), Eva Donaldson (University of Edinburgh), *Erinn Foley (Hillhead Jordanhill), Evie Gallagher (University of Worcester), Jade Konkel-Roberts (Harlequins) Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough), Elis Martin
As promised, the SRU has announced the award of a large number of professional contracts. This first tranche of 28 runs for a year to November 2023 (see full list below). The good news is already there; the SRU is fulfilling its part in its Women’s and Girls’ Strategy. It is essentially long-term: to boost Scotland’s
Scotland finished another campaign winless, but how they lost to Ireland at the Kingspan they may still not comprehend. They were in the lead for most of the game, not decisively, but on a day of teeming rain that couldn’t be expected. They got on top straight away, Evie Gallagher finishing off strong drives at
Last week Scotland kept France scoreless in the second half. Here in Parma the same fate nearly befell them. So their sorry record in Italy continued, yet they came off at half-time 10-3 in the lead, thanks to a try from the returning Emma Wassell. The effort it took her team to turn that move
Scotland restrict France to Meagre Pickings France, responding to memories of their last encounter in Scotland (a shock 13-13 draw) were in no mood for small mercies. But their modest points total, 28, underlines the contrast in player-depth between them and England. This was far from being an A-list French line-up; at least they made
Six Nations – Second Round The big match of the weekend didn’t disappoint. Once again we had high tension as the clock ticked past eighty. In 6N terms Scotland’s first-half performance at the Arms Park was a revelation. They attacked with clean hands and fast clear-outs, the continuity that has failed them so often in
The result was as expected, but Scotland confirmed their recent advance, pinning the opposition back in defence for long periods. Simon Middleton had asked his troops to maintain the highest intensity all through. They didn’t manage it, but still chalked up nine tries, some of them of the highest quality. In a breathless opening spell
Organisers are fond of the phrase A Fresh Start, and in the case of the TikTok Six Nations it’s well merited. A new title partner, all-embracing media coverage and more contracted players than ever before. It is the tournament’s first chance to display its wares after the privations of the pandemic. Lockdown in some countries
Six Nations Squads Published Few surprises is the long lists published by three of the Six Nations. This is the first stage in whittling down the squads to the maximum 30 who will represent the nations for the World Cup. No fewer than three players could win their 50th cap in Round One, Elisa Giordano,
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