We are firmly into the selection season. Today it’s New Zealand’s privilege to announce their squad for the World Cup It’s now possible to compare the different approaches of the managements of the leading contenders. The NZ staff, consisting of four men, has opted, like Canada, for the wiser split of 19: 13 in favour of
Black Ferns coaches Allan Bunting, Tony Christie, Steve Jackson, Dan Cron and Riki Flutey have selected 33 players to defend their title at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England next month. The squad was announced by former Black Fern Honey Hireme-Smiler tonight in front of invited guests and whānau at a special event
In my previous piece on the subject, I mentioned three attributes: quality, experience and versatility. Here I expand on my thoughts. Quality The Red Roses are now on a run of 25 games undefeated and hope to beat their own record of 30 this summer. Their one black mark has been at the World Cup.
Hot on the heels of the Red Roses to appear in next month’s RWC, Kevin Rouet has named his Maple Leaf squad, the second favourites to snatch the pot. (I’ll ignore the snorts coming from southern oceans). The Squad Forwards: Kassil, O’Donnell, Menin,Tuttosi, Crossley, Forteza, Senft, Boag, Paquin, Royer, Montiel, Nelson, DeMerchant, Buisa, R. Smith,
John Mitchell has revealed the name of the 32 players to represent England at the home RWC. We shouldn’t call any of them surprises; all the many called to training sessions were worthy of consideration. But those most likely to have been overjoyed at the good news are Abi Burton, Jade Shekells and Lilli Ives-Campion.
The 32 Red Roses who have the honour of representing their country in the home 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup have been confirmed. Head coach John Mitchell’s squad comprises 18 forwards and 14 backs, averaging an age of 26 and totalling a combined 1,374 international caps. Twenty-four of the group have previously competed at a World
News that Aoife Wafer’s knee injury makes it unlikely she will recover in time for the World Cup is disastrous for her and her nation. Even the knock-out stages in eight weeks’ time make a full recovery highly unlikely. With this latest misfortune Ireland lose a third vital member of the back five. We already
Pool A: England, USA, Australia, Samoa England: red-hot favourites, but could they be oppressed by thoughts of another failure, when they possess all the trump cards? USA: they are desperate to make their mark again (last win 1991). Americans prefer winners. World Rugby needs them to prosper to advance the spread of the global game.
Back in the days when ScrumQueens was our bible, the admirable John Birch pointed out severe shortcomings in World Rugby’s rankings table. Without his ongoing assistance, I have to take it at face value. Fortunately very little has changed over the past weeks, since the sixteen qualified nations have devoted themselves largely to training. South
World Rugby and O2 have announced that global pop superstar, Anne-Marie, will play the Opening Show presented by O2 during the first match of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Friday 22 August, where England will take on USA. Fans are set for an unforgettable opening match at Women’s Rugby
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