Annick Heyraud, France’s experienced manager, had mixed feelings about the 41-26 defeat to England at Doncaster. ‘In the first half we were non-existent’ was her damning judgement. The second half told a different story but it was too steep a hill to climb. The great French sports newspaper L’Équipe was in no doubt: ‘The French
England Women made it two bonus-point wins from two in the 2019 Women’s Six Nations as they beat France 41-26 at Castle Park in Doncaster. In front of 4,674 fans in south Yorkshire, England took the lead against the reigning Grand Slam champions after Katy Daley-Mclean’s cross-field kick was superbly taken in the air by
England Women head coach Simon Middleton has made four changes to his starting XV ahead of the Red Roses Six Nations clash against France on Sunday 10 February, KO 12.45pm, live on Sky Sports Action. The Red Roses return to Castle Park, Doncaster, to take on the 2018 title holders after overcoming Ireland 51-7 in
The Red Roses amassed eight tries at Energia Park, Donnybrook, a ground that is fast becoming an all-timefavourite of theirs, after the Grand Slam win there in 2017. This was a significant day in the world of women’s rugby, the first time a full-term professional side had taken the field. For most of the 80 minutes,
England Women started their 2019 Six Nations campaign with a bonus-point 51-7 win against Ireland in Dublin. On a cold night at Donnybrook, first half scores from Jess Breach and Sarah McKenna were added to by Sarah Bern, Lark Davies, Katy Daley-Mclean, Zoe Harrison, Emily Scott and Bryony Cleall in the second 40 minutes as
Squads announced and other matters The England Squad to play Ireland in Dublin on Friday, 1 February: 15. Sarah McKenna (Saracens) 14. Jess Breach (Harlequins) 13. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough) 12. Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury) 11. Kelly Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury) 10. Katy Daley-Mclean (Loughborough) 9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins) 1. Hannah Botterman (Saracens) 2. Lark Davies (Worcester) 3. Sarah
Big news from France: the FFR announces 28 contracts for 15s players, to bring them in line with their 7s sisters – and more or less in line with their English counterparts, though the fine print of the contracts differs. Complaints are already streaming in about the 50% part-time arrangements set in place. The recipients
How lucky Europe is to have a tournament the size and scope of the 6 Nations! Only England and France? When we read of the two great rugby-playing nations down under hoping desperately to establish a wider international playing field, we should be grateful for the 6 Nations Championship, the feast that is served
The 6 Nations tournament, male and female, has always been an unequal enterprise, right back to the days when it was no more than a Home Championship within the British Isles. Ever since the nineteenth century England has outweighed its rivals in sheer numbers of inhabitants and players, raising the question: why do its men
The 6 Nations 2019 version was launched in the swish surroundings of the Hurlingham Club. Nolli Waterman now appeared on the other side of the camera, so to speak, introducing the honoured guests alongside Will Greenwood. In between generous offerings of food and Guinness, the official sponsors – though not quite yet the full-time
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