Few games of club rugby have been as momentous as this one. Both Richmond and Saracens were facing crises of the first order, and Storm Dennis was threatening to wreak more havoc than Storm Ciara the previous weekend. Ciara had brought two Six Nations matches to the front pages.

Richmond had been told by the RFU that they would need to re-apply for membership of the Tyrrells Premier 15s. To say they were disappointed barely does justice to their emotions.

Saracens had received the biggest fine ever applied to a club, and their sponsors, the German insurance giant Allianz, were pulling out at the season’s end.

Then there was the rugby – and it was rescheduled, since the pitch at the Athletic Ground was waterlogged back in December.

England players were allowed to take part. Hannah Botterman explained: it depended on how long they spent on the pitch at Murrayfield last week. It was good to see Bryony Cleall’s name reappearing on the bench-list after a long lay-off.

The game began as so many have for Richmond. Sarries knocked on at the kick-off and paid the penalty as the hosts developed an attack. Inside five minutes Ro Burnfield drove to the line and over. Could this great start continue?

It took Sarries nearly 20 minutes to answer. Jodie Rettie, making a welcome return from injury, claimed the try. Rocky Clark took a pass from Martin to put her side in the lead, but Richmond kept up their strong performance. On 40 minutes they got to Sarries’ line once more but were penalised there. They deserved the cheers they got as they returned inside.

The half-time score was 7-14.

The second half also followed tradition. Even before the big guns came off the bench – a couple of Clealls, Vicky Fleetwood, Zoe Harrison – Sarries’ pack began to take charge. Further back, they had Sarah McKenna to place huge kicks into distant corners and Lisa Martin to complete defensive exits and add conversions.

Botterman went over on the end of a multi-pass move. Ten minutes later it was Fleetwood’s turn to stretch the lead. Poppy Cleall added to Richmond’s woes before Sarries’ last try came from the Canadian Alex Ellis as a reward for the hard work the pack had put in. This is where Sarries have had the advantage from the first day of the Tyrrells three years ago: whatever the combination they offer, the forwards have the ability to make every game safe for them.

Richmond got very close to the enemy line more than once in the second half, but couldn’t unlock the door. The conditions had worsened as Storm Dennis began to kick in. It was wet, windy and dark grey – perfect for a game of rugby. Or do we prefer snow?

It was good to see LaToya Mason, herself a distinguished Red Rose with 70 caps, take charge of this game.

This result restores Sarries to top place, with Quins two points behind. Richmond remain locked in ninth place, the only side to lose to Firwood Waterloo this season.

No more Tyrrells till the Six Nations is done and dusted.

Result: Richmond 7 Saracens 42

Officials:

Referee: LaToya Mason
ARs: Chris Bartlett & Stephen Ward

Teams:

Richmond:
15. Louise Burgess
14. Kirsty Lee-Griffiths
13. Georgia Gray
12. Samantha Wharton
11. Maia Daw
10. Abi Chamberlain
9. Freya Aucken
1. Laura Kapo
2. Rosie Dobson
3. Hannah Luff
4. Fiona McIntosh
5. Rowena Burnfield (captain)
6. Rebecca Ball
7. Sadia Kabeya
8. Libby Povey

16. Zoe Barber
17. Rebecca Schorah
18. Sophia McGauley-Cave
19. Sian Hobday
20. Lizzie Musa
21. Holly Williams
22. Polly Roberts

Saracens:
15. Sarah McKenna
14. Rachel Laqeretabua
13. Aine Staunton
12. Chantelle Miell
11. Lotte Clapp (captain)
10. Lisa Martin
9. Eloise Hayward
1. Rochelle Clark
2. May Campbell
3. Hannah Botterman
4. Molly Morrissey
5. Alex Ellis
6. Sonia Green
7. Kat Evans
8. Jodie Rettie

16. Donna Rose
17. Bryony Cleall
18. Poppy Cleall
19. Vicky Fleetwood
20. Zoe Harrison
21. Cara Wardle
22. Hannah Casey

Tailpiece

Rumours flew around of numbers of Richmond players leaving the club, after the news of their need to re-tender for admission to the Tyrrells Premier 15s next season. Could it have any significance that at least three ex-Richmond players were due to turn out for Saracens’ Development side against them? Not to mention Rachel Laqeretabua in the 1st XV. How are the mighty fallen!

The need for this game to be replayed, though a quite separate issue, was another hint at the problems facing this distinguished club. On 21 December it became the only game pre-Christmas to go AWOL.

In the lead-up to the rematch Richmond posted two reminders of past glories, a defeat of Saracens in 2014 and a searing run by Alex Matthews in 2015. By way of riposte Sarries offered a clip from last year’s contest. These three help to summarise Richmond’s sad descent from their glory days when they provided England with a host of outstanding players.

We have yet to learn how precisely Saracens Women will be affected by the major events taking place over their heads, the massive fine, the relegation and the loss of sponsorship. What, for example, happens to Allianz Park itself? For many years Sarries were a wandering side as Nigel Wray attempted to find suitable accommodation. From the public recreation ground at Bramley Lane they moved to Enfield FC and Vicarage Road Watford before the current venue was established.

Stand out performances from last weeks game included runaway trys from Spanish international Isabel Rico and Red Rose, Claudia MacDonald. Not to mention that of Harriet Millar-Mills squeezed in just before the half time whistle.

Giselle Mather has made some changes to her starting line-up for this week’s game starting in the forwards. We welcome Claire Cripps back to the front row, and with Nora Baltruweit out with Injury, Dennison will start in the second. Crake, Mitchelson and Millar-Mills will take up the back seats of the scrum.

Lead by Captain Kate Alder, there’s just one change to the backs line up, Sofia Rolfi will start on the wing alongside Dow and Mason to form the back three. Maisey, Derk and Molloy are amongst your finishers set to add fire to the game.

KO is at 1.30pm, be sure to make your way down!

1XV Line up

1. Claire Cripps
2. Hannah West (Sponsored by Budgy Smugglers)
3.Maud Muir
4.Alex Powell
5. Dalena Dennison
6.Liz Crake
7.Sarah Mitchelson- VC
8.Harriet Millar-Mills
9.Claudia MacDonald (Sponsored by Purple Ski)
10.Hannah Edwards (Sponsored by CH Rugby Sports Management)
11.Sofia Rolfi
12.Kate Alder (Sponsored by PSB Industries) – C
13.Gemma Rowland (sponsored by Aparito)
14.Abby Dow (Sponsored by Scrum Bum)
15.Katie Mason (Sponsored by Lions Academy)
16.Andrea Stock
17.Morgan Ransley
18.Emily Maisey
19.Christiana Balogun
20. Claire Molloy
21.Lucy Nye
22.Tova Derk

Courtesy of Wasps

The friendly fixture, which will kick off shortly after Harlequins’ men’s team face Leicester Tigers at Twickenham, will see a host of international stars on both sides.

Irish trio Gill Bourke, Anna Caplice and Leah Lyons are named in the 22 to face many of their Irish teammates of past and present, as well as their former domestic rivals, from their Munster days.

Emily Scott again will captain the side, leading Harlequins Women out at Twickenham for a women’s club rugby first, with England internationals Rachael Burford, Shaunagh Brown, Jess Breach, and Leanne Riley named in the starting line-up.

Harlequins Women Co-Head Coach Karen Findlay said: “Playing at Big Game 12 is such a huge moment not only for our players, but for the game. It is an exciting challenge and one we are confident we will do justice to in what looks set to be one of the most competitive games of club rugby.

“Leinster is a side stooped in history and blessed with a plethora of talent, which we recognise and have pulled together a strong side ourselves with a collective of international caps and dominance on the women’s rugby stage to be able to combat Leinster’s many strengths.”

Harlequins Women starting XV

1 Gill Bourke
2 Amy Cokayne
3 Shaunagh Brown
4 Debs McCormack
5 Alice Sheffield
6 Anna Caplice
7 Giada Franco
8 Fiona Fletcher (VC)
9 Leanne Riley
10 Ellie Green
11 Jess Breach
12 Rachael Burford
13 Khadidja Camara
14 Heather Cowell
15 Emily Scott (C)

Game Changers

16 Leah Lyons
17 Chloe Edwards
18 Tove Viksten
19 Davinia Catlin
20 Lucy Packer
21 Victoria Petersson
22 Lydia Hartridge

Tickets to Big Game 12 are still available at www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu on Friday 27 December, and available at the Twickenham Stadium ticket office on Saturday 28 December.

Quins are currently second in the Tyrrells Premier 15s and are looking to bounce back at Surrey Sports Park after last week’s defeat to Saracens at The Stoop.

Karen Findlay and Gary Street make a number of changes to the squad that will host Worcester this weekend, with Alice Sheffield, Ellie Green and Lydia Hartridge returning to the starting XV and a host of new faces on the bench from last week’s team.

Emily Scott continues to captain the side from fly half, with second row Fi Fletcher as vice-captain, while prolific try scorer Heather Cowell switches from the wing to full back.

Chloe Edwards is set to become the first player to make 50 appearances for Harlequins Women, as she is named as a Game Changer for this fixture.

Harlequins Women Co-Head Coach Gary Street said: “Last week, we didn’t get the result we wanted so have spent this week working hard with the squad to improve on the areas of our game that let us down against Saracens.

“Credit to Worcester, they are building a really strong side and putting in some encouraging performances. We are aware of the threat they possess but are confident in our abilities and the effort we put in this week to come away with a positive result.”

Harlequins Women starting XV

1 Gill Bourke
2 Amy Cokayne
3 Shaunagh Brown
4 Alice Sheffield
5 Fiona Fletcher (VC)
6 Sarah Beckett
7 Giada Franco
8 Jade Konkel
9 Leanne Riley
10 Emily Scott (C)
11 Jess Breach
12 Ellie Green
13 Khadidja Camara
14 Lydia Hartridge
15 Heather Cowell

Game Changers
16 Davinia Catlin
17 Chloe Edwards
18 Debs McCormack
19 Anna Caplice
20 Lucy Packer
21 Jade Mullen
22 Ella Amory

Harlequins Women have also announced the developmental side that will take on Worcester Warriors Women’s development side at after the first team’s fixture.

Harlequins Women Development starting XV

1 Tove Viksten
2 Leah Lyons (VC)
3 Amy Montague
4 Becky Piddlesden
5 Courtney Dobson
6 Beth Dainton
7 Emily Robinson
8 Kate Jenkins
9 Bobbie Haywood
10 Victoria Petersson (C)
11 Grace Crompton
12 Leonie Holstein
13 Chloe Stopard-Baker
14 Laura Venclova
15 Tasha Bradshaw

Game Changers

16 Lauren Brooks
17 Sheree Cooper
18 Destiny Jordan Field
19 Elle Bloor
20 Zoe Saynor
21 Sammy King
22 Megan Brown

Courtesy of Harlequins

After last week’s convincing win against Richmond, the team have worked to build on the strong performance and couldn’t be more ready to face West England rivals. Giselle Mather has named her team which includes x changes from last week’s starting line up.

In the forwards, Moloney and West will join 250th cap winner, Cripps in the front. Crake will start at 5 alongside Powell in the second row and Molloy returning to play 7 joined by Millar-Mills and McMahon to complete the pack. As for the backs, we have MacDonald and Goulden as the infamous 9 10 duo. With 150th cap winner Edwards outside them.

But, beware as the finish is set to be on fire with Mitchelson, Baltruweit and Rowland.

The last game of 2019, a huge game for some treasured Waspies and its all to play for!

1XV Match Day Squad

Claire Cripps
Cliodhna Maloney
Hannah West
Alex Powell
Liz Crake
Edel McMahon
Claire Malloy
Harriet Millar-Mills
Claudia MacDonald
Elizabeth Goulden
Tova Derk
Hannah Edwards
Kate Alder ©
Katie Mason
Abby Dow
Maud Muir
Isabel Rico
Nora Baltruweit
Sarah Mitchelson
Lucy Nye
Sofia Rolfi
Gemma Rowland

Courtesy of Wasps Ladies

Saracens Women are keeping up the chase as they defeated DMP Sharks in their final home game of the year. Red Roses legend Rocky Clark, as well as Lotte Clapp, Hannah Botterman and Georgie Lingham [hat-trick] were among the scorers in Sarries’ 69-12 victory.

Firwood Waterloo Ladies recorded a first victory this season as they defeated Richmond FC 20-10.

Loughborough Lightning sealed an impressive 50-26 victory over Worcester Warriors Women.

Gloucester-Hartpury Women earned a fine 24-53 away victory at Bristol Bears Women.

For the 2019/20 table, fixtures and results click here, the latest season statistics can be found here.

Highlights can also be viewed here.  

Courtesy of the RFU

Following the conclusion of the recent international fixtures, the majority of Harlequins Women’s international stars are again available for selection as Tyrrells Premier 15s action returns.

England prop Shaunagh Brown starts at tighthead prop with Italian back row Giada Franco also in the XV. Co-Head Coaches Gary Street and Karen Findlay have named an experienced side which sees Rachael Burford at 13, with Jess Breach and Heather Cowell in the wings and Emily Scott at fullback.

Deborah McCormack marks her long awaited return from injury to take her place in the starting lineup in the second row alongside Fi Fletcher.

Harlequins Women Co-Head Coach Gary Street said: “It’s great to have league action back after a long break, and we are delighted to welcome back a number of our international players who represented their nations proudly.

“Tyrrells Premier 15s is back, and we now need to knuckle down and focus on the fixtures ahead, starting with this weekend’s clash with Firwood Waterloo. They are historically a strong side and while their performances this season haven’t reflected that, we must not take them for granted and it’s integral we throw everything we can at them to come away with a good result.”

We understand that England World Cup winner, with more than 70 caps, La Toya Mason, will be refereeing this game, not sure if it is her first Tyrells but we wish her the very best in her change of roles.

Harlequins Women senior squad to face Firwood Waterloo Women

1 Gill Bourke

2 Amy Cokayne

3 Shaunagh Brown

4 Fi Fletcher

5 Deborah McCormack

6 Davinia Catlin

7 Giada Franco

8 Tove Viksten

9 Lucy Packer

10 Ellie Green

11 Jess Breach

12 Jade Mullen

13 Rachael Burford

14 Heather Cowell

15 Emily Scott

Game Changers

16 Leah Lyons

17 Chloe Edwards

18 Emily Robinson

19 Kate Jenkins

20 Leanne Riley

21 Khadidja Camara

22 Chloe Rollie

Courtesy of Harlequins 

Saracens pose a different threat to the team in comparison to previous opponents, Firwood Waterloo, who suffered a 62 point loss to Wasps FC Ladies in Round 6. But with 4 weeks of preparation under their belt, Wasps could not be more ready!

So what do the teams look like?

In the 1XV Moloney and Dennison return from injury to join a strong forward pack with the experience of Cripps in the front row and internationals Molloy and McMahon at the back.

Returning from her stint on the wing against Ireland, MacDonald will join Derk on the wing with Dow playing full back. . Top point scorer Lizzie Goulden will start at 10 with Lucy Nyeon her inside at nine.

But the strength does not stop there with the likes of Mitchelson, Rico and Edwards promising a strong finish to the game. Young player Sofia Rolfi also makes her debut for the 1XV in the 22. Jersey.

The 2XV will take to the field for a 13.30pm kick off and boast a strong side to face Saracens. Isobel Fisher will captain the side from the pack joined by experienced players Smith, Allen and Afilaka. Aoife Tully also joins us from Loughborough RFC to start at prop.

Dombrowski will lead the backs from inside centre joined by Ahis, Dixon, Exley and Lewis. We welcome back half back, Sammy Wong, who returns to us from New Zealand to play nine alongside Graham at ten.

1XV Match Day Squad

1. Claire Cripps

2. Cliodhna Maloney

3. Hannah West

4. Dalena Dennison

5. Nora Baltruweit

6. Edel McMahon

7. Claire Malloy

8. ELizabeth Crake

9. Lucy Nye

10. Elizabeth Goulden

11. Tova Derk

12. Kate Alder ©

13. Gemma Rowland

14. Claudia MacDonald

15. Abby Dow

16. Isabel Rico

17. Maud Muir

18. Alex Powell

19. Sarah Mitchelson

20. Flow Williams

21. Hannah Edwards

22. Sofia Rolfi

2XV Match Day Squad

1. Aoife Tully

2. Helena Ironton

3. Kany Afilaka

4. Kasey Allen

5. Esteria Hiwaizi

6. Isobel Fisher (c)

7. Kenny Templeman

8. Nic Smith

9. Sammy Wong

10. Sammy Graham

11. Makeda Lewis

12. Jo Dombrowski

13. Kirsy Exley

14. Rose Dixon

15. Maria Ahis

16. Michaela Turner- Wallace

17. Maud Muir

18. Christiana Balogan

19. Sara Seye

20. Tiana Gordon

21. Michaela Dorrian

22. Alex Clay

Courtesy of Wasps

Last week saw Wasps take on the storm of Loughborough Lightning, and a storm they brought with them indeed. The teams battled it out in tough, wet conditions but with Wasps Ladies missing some key players, Loughborough ran away with the win.

This week Giselle Mather names a strong side to take on Firwood Waterloo. Nora Baltruweit returns from injury to start at lock and is joined by Louise Dodd who pulls on the starting jersey at prop. With Millar-mills still out from injury, Liz Crake will start at 8 with Mitchelson and Malloy   at her side.

The line up in the backs is unchanged- with the fire of MacDonald at nine and speed of Dow, Mason and Derk in the back three. And the team is sure to finish strong with an international flare with Goulden, Ahis and Templeman on the bench.

Kick off is at 12.30pm, make sure you keep up to date with the game via @waspsladies Twitter

Match Day Squad

1. Louise Dodd

2. Maud Muir

3.Hannah West (Sponsored by Budgy Smugglers)

4.Alex Powell

5. Nora Balruweit

6.Sarah Mitchelson- VC

7.Claire Molly

8.Liz Crake (Sponsored by Lee Blissett Wealth Management)

9.Claudia MacDonald (Sponsored by Purple Ski)

10.Hannah Edwards (Sponsored by CH Rugby Sports Management)

11.Tova Derk

12.Kate Alder (Sponsored by PSB Industries) – C

13.Gemma Rowland (sponsored by Aparito)

14.Katie Mason (Sponsored by Lions Academy)

15.Abby Dow

16.Morgan Ransley

17.Andrea Stock

18.Kendall Templeman

19.Lucy Nye

20.Lizzie Goulden

21.Maria Ahis

22.Makeda Lewis

Courtesy of Wasps

The first game of the day took place at Twyford Avenue where Wasps FC Ladies hosted Loughborough Lightning, but the visitors came away with a bonus-point win [15-35] in front of the England Rugby cameras.

Lightning had Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter back who was amongst the try scorers on her return as they proved too strong for the home side in the second half, with Emily Scarratt providing Loughborough’s points from the boot.

Champions Saracens Women continued their perfect start to the season as they picked up another bonus-point at Firwood Waterloo Ladies, running in over 70 points in the north west [3-73].

England trio Shaunagh Brown, Leanne Riley and Jess Breach were amongst the scorers in south west London as Harlequins Women remain top of the table as they secured another bonus-point win and nilled Bristol Bears Women [47-0].

In the derby that took place at Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s home ground, it was the hosts who managed to secure a bonus-point win [53-0] over Worcester Warriors Women. Former England international Jo Yapp was taking charge of Worcester for the first time since being appointed but the club are still looking for a first point of the season.

In the other game taking place in south west London on Saturday evening, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks made the long trip south but came away with all the points, including a try bonus-point, after an impressive away display [5-26].

For the 2019/20 table, fixtures and results click here, the latest season statistics can be found here.

Highlights can also be viewed here. 

Courtesy of the RFU