England Women’s team announced for Nations Cup curtain raiser

England Head Coach Gary Street has named his side for the opening game of the Nations Cup, which will see England take on the USA at Esher Rugby Club on Friday evening, kick-off 7pm.

Street has made 12 changes, including three positional, to the starting line-up that took on the US Eagles on Tuesday evening in a warm-up fixture. England triumphed 50-3, running in an impressive eight tries.

Richmond’s Karen Jones takes over the captaincy armband with Bath’s Catherine Spencer rested. Wasps lock Jo McGilchrist is the only forward to start her second consecutive game while Katy McLean starts again at fly-half and is Vice Captain. Wasps duo Amy Turner and Michaela Staniford move into the centre positions, while Saracens’ Charlotte Barras moves to full-back.

Street said: “We have made several changes and this is because we have got to make sure we have enough players in our elite squad who are capable of playing international rugby at a high standard. From selecting this squad I am confident these players will do as good as job as the team on Tuesday did.

“This is the start of the Nations Cup, but for us this match is all about playing as good as rugby as we can. Every game we play is as important as the next and I always expect the players to have the same attitude. The USA are a brave, strong rugby nation and I am sure they’ll be looking to improve their performance against us on Friday evening.”

England’s Nations Cup campaign continues on Sunday at 5pm at Esher also, while the USA and Canada will clash on Tuesday 26th of August. England, the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions, will also take on Canada in a friendly match on Friday 29th August.

England

1 Sophie Hemming Clifton
2 Emma Layland Richmond
3 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
4 Natalie Binstead Wasps
5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
6 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
7 Gemma Sharples Worcester
8 Karen Jones (C) Richmond

9 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
10 Katy McLean VC Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
12 Amy Turner Richmond
13 Michaela Staniford Wasps
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
15 Charlotte Barras Saracens
Replacements:
16 Samantha Dale Worcester
17 Katy Storie Blaydon Team Northumbria
18 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
19 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
20 Danielle Waterman Clifton
21 Kimberley Oliver Clifton
22 Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks

Match Schedule:

England v USA, August 19th at Esher RFC, KO 7pm WON 50-3
England v USA August 22nd at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 7pm
England v Canada August 24th at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 5pm
USA v Canada August 26th at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 7pm
England v Canada August 29th at Esher RFC, KO 7pm

by Julia Hutton

August 20th, 2008

England Women set the standard for Nations Cup

England 50 USA 3

England Women warmed up for the inaugural Nations Cup with an impressive and powerful display against the USA at Esher Rugby Club on Tuesday evening.

The reigning RBS 6 Nations and European Champions, who will kick-off their Nations Cup campaign against the USA on Friday, 7pm at Esher also, ran in a blistering eight tries, including one for Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt on her debut. Vice-captain Katy McLean also kicked five conversions to secure the win.

The USA proved dogged opposition in the opening stages and kept England at bay until the eighth minute, and then the flood gates opened.

Wasps lock Jo McGilchrist opened the home side’s account with a great try which started with Saracens’ Charlotte Barras making the break. Barras, playing out on the wing, off-loaded to Danielle Waterman, Amy Turner and Maggie Alphonsi before the ball was crossed to the left wing with flanker Tamara Taylor setting-up McGilchrist who found space to score. McLean converted.

Four minutes later and Staniford handed England a 12-0 lead. England showed great support to secure the try with all of England’s backs involved as well as the ever present Taylor. Centre Georgina Roberts was pulled down just short of the line, but Staniford picked up and ran in to score.

Lock Taylor was in the thick of the action again on 24 minutes when a superb break by Waterman, playing her first international at full-back, set Alphonsi loose. The Saracens flanker looked set to score, but a toe tap saw her tackled to the ground but Taylor was in support and muscled her way over the line. McLean converted to put England into a 19-0 lead.

Try number four came courtesy of Clifton’s Kim Oliver, returning to action after an injury lay-off, while Alphonsi rounded off the first-half for England after a well worked line-out saw the ball recycled across the field and Aphonsi diving over the line.

USA clawed back a penalty in the first-half thanks to fly-half Kristen Baja but they had to settle for a 31-3 deficit at the break.

After the restart England called in the back-up and made six replacements. The changes didn’t unsettle the hosts and Barras soon ran in for a try after a superb break and charge down field.

Young centre Scarratt then underlined her potential with a try on her debut after a line-out saw the backs feed the ball out to the 18-year-old who found the attacking line and scored with ease. McLean converted making the score 43-3 and securing the victory for England.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “I’m really happy with this performance. We have got a lot to work on, but the style of rugby we want to play was very evident tonight.

“It’s really satisfying to score eight tries against a very physical side but we have got to make sure we are not blasé about this win as we look ahead to Friday’s Nations Cup game.

“Maggie Alphonsi had a tremendous game. She was very busy in the first-half and dominant, and it was great to see a player like Emily Scarratt score on her debut.”

England

1 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Katy Storie (Blaydon Team Northumbria), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Beale (Leos), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Bath), 9 Amy Turner ( Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (vc) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 11 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 12 Kim Oliver (Clifton), 13 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 14 Charlotte Barras (Saracens), 15 Danielle Waterman (Clifton). Replacements: 16 Emma Layland (Richmond), 17 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 18 Natalie Binstead (Wasps), 19 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 20 Georgina Rozario (Plymouth Albion), 21 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), 22 Francesca Matthews (Richmond)

Tries: McGilchrist, Staniford, Taylor, Oliver, Alphonsi, Barras, Scarratt, Turner
Conversions: McLean (5)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Hemming for Clark, Binstead for McGilchrist, Layland for Garnett, Scarratt for Roberts (all 45), Rozario for Oliver, Sharples for Alphonsi (56), Matthews for Barras (59),

USA

1 Jamie Burke (At-Large), 2 Lisa Butts (Davis Women), 3 Stacy Baker (Philadelphia), 4 Beckett Royce (ORSU), 5 Jillion Potter (Minnesota Valkyries), 6 Liz Dilley (C) (DC Furies), 7 Mel Denham (Beantown), 8 Blair Groefsema (Berkeley All Blues), 9 Katy Hertel (MN Valkyries), 10 Kristin Baja (New York), 11 Desiree Markovich (Minnesota Valkyries), 12 Elise Myer (Maryland Stingers), 13 Emilie Bydwell (Beantown), 14 Vanesha McGee (Philadelphia), 15 Ashley Kmiecik (Seattle Mudhens). Replacements: 16 Farrah Douglas (Chicago North Shore), 17 Lara Vivolo (New York), 18 Sarah Walsh (Chicago North Shore), 19 Christina Hobson (New York), 20 Katy Hertel (Minnesota Valkyries), 21 Mel Kanuk (Maryland Stingers), 22 Nathalie Marchino

Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties: Baja

Half-time: England 31 USA 3

Referee Joyce Henry (Canada)
Touch Judges: Andrea Ttofa, Claire Hodnett

Match Schedule:

England v USA, August 19th at Esher RFC, KO 7pm WON 50-3
England v USA August 22nd at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 7pm
England v Canada August 24th at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 5pm
USA v Canada August 26th at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 7pm
England v Canada August 29th at Esher RFC, KO 7pm


by Julia Hutton


August 19th, 2008

England Women record second win in Under 20s Nations Cup

England Women Under 20s 22 Canada A Under 20s 0



England Women recorded their second win in the Under 20s Nations Cup in Toronto, Canada on Monday night, with an impressive 22-0 victory against Canada A.

The England young guns touched down for four tries, including a brace of tries for Bath’s Nicola Hoole, and kicked one conversion to secure the victory just two days after beating Canada 31-5. They will now play Home Nations rivals Wales on Wednesday, as they bid to secure their place in the Nations Cup final on Saturday.

In another physical and hard fought clash, England kicked off their challenge early on with the side opting to kick to the corner, instead of taking a penalty kick at goal after just three minutes. Bath No. 8 Hoole secured the ball from the line-out and scored in the corner.

Saracens fly-half April Brown missed the conversion but England soon stretch their lead to a 10 point cushion with Old Albanian Saints centre Sarah McKenna claiming the second try on 17 minutes.

The score came after continued pressure from England, with the ball moved through several phases of play, with McKenna finally taking the ball from the ruck to dive over and score in the corner. Brown again missed the conversion, but England headed into the break with a comfortable 10-0 lead.

Minutes after the restart and forward Hoole was back in the heart of the action. England again took advantage of another good attacking line-out just five metres out from Canada A’s line. Lichfield hooker Vicky Fleetwood secured the ball and then moved it out to Hoole who drove over the line to score.

Ivel Barbarians’ Charlotte Male then claimed England’s fourth and final try with 15 minutes left on the clock. England were again attacking well and the ball was moved across the pitch to open up space. Male then pounced on the ball and outpaced the Canadian defence to score in the corner. Brown this time added the conversion, handing England the 22-0 victory.

England Under 20s Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “I was very pleased with the way all the players stood up to the challenge. For a number of players it was their first time starting in an England shirt, and they stood up to the challenge and were counted.

“The first-half performance was again very promising but the heat took its toll and the number of substitutions we made in the second-half meant that some of the continuity we had was lost.

“We are now really looking forward to the Welsh challenge on Wednesday. A win there will take us into the final.”

England U20s

1 Laura Keates © (Worcester), 2 Vicky Fleetwood (Lichfield), 3 Elizabeth Peake (Lakenham Hewitt), 4 Juliet Short (Darlington Mowden Park), 5 Charlotte Male (Ivel Barbarians), 6 Brigit Reeves (Leeds Leos), 7 Hannah Field (Reading), 8 Nicola Hoole (Bath), 9 Rachel Fraser (Morpeth), 10 April Brown (Saracens), 11 Samantha Bree (Worcester), 12 Sarah Graham (Lichfield), 13 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanian Saints), 14 Georgina Crabb (Camberley), 15 Kimberley Davy (Richmond). Replacements: 16 Vicky Cornborough (Richmond), 17 Davinia Monteiro (Wasps), 18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), 19 Sarah Guest (Worcester), 20 Clare Garner (Doncaster), 21 Rose Fong (Darlington Mowden Park), 22 Natasha Hunt (Bath), 23 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield).

Tries: Hoole (2), McKenna, Male
Conversions: Male
Substitutions: Burnfield on for Field (blood) (18), Field on for Burnfield (blood reverse) (28), Cornborough on for Keates, Fong on for McKenna (HT), Burnfield on for Short (50), Monterio on for Hoole (52), Hunt on for Bree (63), Guest on for Field (73), Scarratt on for Fong (74).

Under 20s Nations Cup Schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto

Friday July 11th
Wales v Canada A, KO 530pm
England v Canada KO 710pm (1210am BST) WON 31-5

Monday July 14th
England v Canada A KO 530pm (1030pm BST) WON 22-0
Canada v Wales KO 710 pm

Wednesday July 16th:
England v Wales KO 7pm (12am BST)

Saturday July 19th:
Championship Final KO 5pm (10pm BST)

by Julia Hutton

England Women Under 20s name side for Canada A Nations Cup clash

England Women Under 20s Coach Giselle Mather has made a handful of changes ahead of England’s second Nations Cup game in Toronto on Monday, kick-off 1030pm BST.

Only skipper Laura Keates from Worcester RFC, Bath’s Nicola Hoole, Worcester’s Samantha Bree and Darlington Mowden Park’s Rose Fong remain in the starting line-up.

England Under 20s thumped Canada 31-5 on Friday in the tournament’s curtain raiser and tomorrow they face Canada A before taking on Home Nation rivals Wales on Wednesday. The Nations Cup Final takes place in Saturday.

England’s Head Coach Mather said: “We have selected another competitive side for this game. This match will give the players who didn’t start in the first game an opportunity to put their hands up for selection for our next tournament game against Wales.

“Like the first game we expect it to be a very tough encounter. The whole Canadian squad is very strong and competitive. They have stepped up a level and it’s important we rise to the challenge. This Canadian side beat Wales in their first game so we are not underestimating their potential.”

England U20s

1 Laura Keates © Worcester
2 Vicky Fleetwood Lichfield
3 Elizabeth Peake Lakenham Hewitt
4 Juliet Short Darlington Mowden Park
5 Charlotte Male Ivel Barbarians
6 Brigit Reeves Leeds Leos
7 Hannah Field Reading
8 Nicola Hoole Bath
9 Rachel Fraser Morpeth
10 April Brown Saracens
11 Samantha Bree Worcester
12 Sarah Graham Lichfield
13 Sarah McKenna Old Albanian Saints
14 Georgina Crabb Camberley
15 Kimberley Davy Richmond
16 Vicky Cornborough Richmond
17 Davinia Monteiro Wasps
18 Rowena Burnfield Richmond
19 Sarah Guest Worcester
20 Clare Garner Doncaster
21 Rose Fong Darlington Mowden Park
22 Natasha Hunt Bath
23 Emily Scarratt Lichfield

Under 20s Nations Cup Schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto

Friday July 11th
Wales v Canada A, KO 530pm
England v Canada KO 710pm (1210am BST) WON 31-5

Monday July 14th
England v Canada A KO 530pm (1030pm BST)
Canada v Wales KO 710 pm

Wednesday July 16th:
England v Wales KO 7pm (12am BST)

Saturday July 19th:
Championship Final KO 5pm (10pm BST)

by Julia Hutton

England Women Under 20s open Nations Cup campaign with victory

England U20s 31 Canada U20s 5

England Women Under 20s opened their Nations Cup campaign with a convincing 31-5 defeat of host nation Canada on Saturday.

The England young guns ran in an impressive five tries with Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt claiming a brace of tries. England next play Canada A on Monday July 14th before taking on Home Nations rivals Wales two days later. The final of the Nations Cup takes place on Saturday July 19th.

England started their campaign after just two minutes when a move out-wide set Samantha Bree up for a 30 metre dash to score. Lichfield’s Scarratt added the conversion, before the fullback then added her first try of the Nations Cup after 23 minutes. Scarratt again converted to hand England a comfortable 14-0 lead in a very physical first quarter of the match.

With England gaining the ascendency in the set-piece they continued to apply the pressure through the outside backs. Youngster Scarratt, who has also been included in this summer’s senior Nations Cup to be held in England in August, then cruised in for her second try on 35 minutes. Scarratt this time missed the conversion, but England managed to stretch their lead further with Bath centre Natasha Hunt adding try number four, and handing the tourists a 24-0 at the break.

After the restart, Canada came back at England with aggression and spirit which tested their defence. England then went a player down with Reading’s Hannah Field going into the sin-bin and in that time Canada pulled a try back courtesy of one of their pacey wingers.

England bounced back immediately, with the impact coming from the bench. Georgina Crabb broke down the wing but was tackled 15 metres from the try-line. Ivel Barbarians’ Charlotte Male was, however, in support and she took the off-load well and ran in to put England 29-5 up. With Scarratt then adding another successful conversion, England secured the 31-5 victory in Toronto.

England Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “We are very pleased with this first game against unknown opposition. The players were challenged as they have never been challenged before and every player gave 100 percent. I am very proud of the commitment and the effort of every player.

“Canada have improved dramatically from last season and were a real test. The England players certainly know they have just played a tough game of rugby.”
England

1 Laura Keates (c) Worcester
2 Davinia Monteiro Wasps
3 Victoria Cornborough Richmond
4 Rowena Burnfield Richmond
5 Charlotte Wild Buxton
6 Isabelle Noel-Smith Bath
7 Marlie Packer Bath
8 Nicola Hoole Bath
9 Sarah Guest Worcester
10 Claire Garner Doncaster
11 Samantha Bree Worcester
12 Sara Mckenna Old Albanian Saints
13 Rose Fong Darlington Mowden Park
14 Natasha Hunt Bath
15 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
Replacements:
16 Charlotte Male Ivel Barbarians
17 Victoria Fleetwood Lichfield
18 Hannah Field Reading
19 Juliet Short Darlington Mowden Park
20 Rachel Fraser Morpeth
21 April Brown Saracens
22 Georgina Crabb Camberley

Tries: Bree, Scarratt (2), Hunt, Male,
Conversions: Scarratt (3)
Penalties:
Replacements: Wild off for Short (1), Hoole off for Field (52), Garner off for Brown, Guest off for Fraser, Monterio off for Fleetwood (64), Cornborough off for Male, Hunt off for Crabb (67).

Under 20s Nations Cup Schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto

Friday July 11th
Wales v Canada A, KO 530pm
England v Canada KO 710pm (1210am BST)

Monday July 14th
England v Canada A KO 530pm (1030pm BST)
Canada v Wales KO 710 pm

Wednesday July 16th:
England v Wales KO 7pm (12am BST)

Saturday July 19th:
Championship Final KO 5pm (10pm BST)

by Julia Hutton

England Women’s Under 20s team to face Canada in Nations Cup opener

The England Women’s Under 20s team to take on Canada in the opening match of the Nations Cup in Toronto tomorrow, kick-off 1210am BST, has been announced.

Worcester prop Laura Keates will lead the side, who hope to continue the success they have already tasted this season. The England youngsters have already recorded back-to-back wins over Wales, without conceding a single point.

England, coached by Giselle Mather, will take on Wales again in the Nations Cup as well as Canada A over the next eight days with the hope of qualifying for the Nations Cup Championship Final on July 19th.

The starting line-up also includes Bath’s Marlie Packer, who earned her first cap for England in this season’s winning European Championship campaign, and Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt and Richmond’s Rowena Burnfield, who also played England A rugby this season.

Head Coach Mather said: “This is an exciting and vibrant side for this age group, with bags of pace out-wide and strength and power in the forwards.

“This is potentially one of the strongest sides that could have been selected and this is out of respect for the opposition. We expect it to be a physical encounter.

“Playing Canada in Canada is always an awesome prospect but the players are really looking forward to the encounter and ready to face the challenge.”

England Under 20s

1 Laura Keates (c) Worcester
2 Davinia Monteiro Wasps
3 Victoria Cornborough Richmond
4 Rowena Burnfield Richmond
5 Charlotte Wild Buxton
6 Isabelle Noel-Smith Bath
7 Marlie Packer Bath
8 Nicola Hoole Bath
9 Sarah Guest Worcester
10 Claire Garner Doncaster
11 Samantha Bree Worcester
12 Sara Mckenna Old Albanian Saints
13 Rose Fong Darlington Mowden Park
14 Natasha Hunt Bath
15 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
Replacements:
16 Charlotte Male Ivel Barbarians
17 Victoria Fleetwood Lichfield
18 Hannah Field Reading
19 Juliet Short Darlington Mowden Park
20 Rachel Fraser Morpeth
21 April Brown Saracens
22 Georgina Crabb Camberley

Under 20s Nations Cup Schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto

Friday July 11th
Wales v Canada A, KO 530pm
England v Canada KO 710pm (1210am BST)

Monday July 14th
England v Canada A KO 530pm (1030pm BST)
Canada v Wales KO 710 pm

Wednesday July 16th:
England v Wales KO 7pm (12am BST)

Saturday July 19th:
Championship Final KO 5pm (10pm BST)

by Julia Hutton

England Women to compete in Nations Cup this summer

England Women, the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions, will take on Canada and the USA in the inaugural Nations Cup, to be held at Esher RFC, next month.

England, who are also the European Championship winners this season, will strive for another title when they take on the USA on August 22nd and Canada on August 24th. They will also play the two teams in another two tests on August 19th (USA) and August 29th (Canada) outside of the Nations Cup tournament.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “This is a very exciting tournament for us and crucially it’s all about trying to enhance our players’ development leading up to the 2010 IRB Rugby World Cup.

“We’ve identified that we need to have the depth and width across all playing positions if we are going to win the world cup in two years time. The Nations Cup, and the two international tests outside of the tournament, provides us with invaluable fixtures against two of the best sides in women’s rugby.”

Street has named a strong 30 women squad, with Bath’s Catherine Spencer once again leading the side and Saracens’ Rachel Burford as vice captain.

The squad includes several players who helped England win the Six Nations title for an unprecedented third time in March, while he has also included a number of up and coming young players like Richmond’s Fiona Pocock and Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt, who could be set to make her international debut next month.

England last played the USA in December 2007 and triumphed 34-0. They last played Canada in the 2006 IRB Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Then England won 20-14 to go on to finish as World Cup runners-up. Canada finished fourth.

Street added: “There is a real mix of experience and youth in this squad, and for the youngsters this is going to be a very important tournament. We have got quite a few players who have just a couple of caps under their belts, so it’s really important that they get some more international experience before next season’s RBS 6 Nations.”

England Nations Cup squad

Rochelle Clark Henley
Sophie Hemming Clifton
Katy Storie Blaydon Team Northumbria
Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
Samantha Dale Worcester
Emma Layland Richmond
Amy Garnett Saracens
Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
Natalie Binstead Wasps
Karen Jones Richmond
Catherine Spencer (C) Bath
Sarah Hunter Lichfield
Gemma Sharples Worcester
Sarah Beale Leos
Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
Amy Turner Richmond
Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
Alice Richardson Richmond
Rachael Burford (VC)Saracens
Kimberley Oliver Clifton
Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
Emily Scarratt Lichfield
Francesca Matthews Richmond
Fiona Pocock Richmond
Danielle Waterman Clifton
Michaela Staniford Wasps
Katherine Merchant Worcester
Charlotte Barras Saracens

Match Schedule:

England v USA, August 19th at Esher RFC, KO 7pm
England v USA August 22nd at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 7pm
England v Canada August 24th at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 5pm
USA v Canada August 26th at Esher RFC Nations Cup, KO 7pm
England v Canada August 29th at Esher RFC, KO 7pm


by Julia Hutton

Get Well Soon

Hey Sonic, just a post to wish you well for a speedy recovery. Hope you have still got that smile, looking forward to seeing you again on the paddock.

England Women’s 7s squad to compete in Rugby World Cup qualifier

The England Women’s 7s squad to compete in the European 7s later this month, a qualifying tournament for the 2009 IRB Rugby World Cup 7s, has been announced.

England Head Coach Simon Amor has named an experienced squad; all of whom have competed in England’s victories in the Amsterdam 7s, the London Emirates Airline 7s and the Home Nations 7s. Wasps’ Sue Day will lead the side once again.

The European 7s, which will be held in Limoges, France, is a crucial tournament as England must finish in the top six to qualify for the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup 7s. The World Cup takes place in Dubai in March 2009 and will run alongside the men’s Rugby World Cup.

16 international rugby sides will compete in the European 7s and England will play Sweden, Germany and Andorra in the pool stages. The tournament kicks-off on Saturday June 14th with the knock-out stages of the competition concluding on Sunday 15th.

Former England men’s 7s captain Amor said: “This is obviously a very important tournament for us. Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup but we also want to win it. That is why I have named an experienced squad.

“All these players have come through the tournaments so far very well, they have come along way, but we have still got a lot of work to do to be where we want to be. This will be a very exciting tournament and we are very much looking forward to it.”

England 7s squad

Claire Allan Saracens
Charlotte Barras Saracens
Rachael Burford Saracens
Susan Day ( C ) Wasps
Heather Fisher Wasps
Emma Layland Richmond
Katherine Merchant Worcester
Alice Richardson Richmond
Amy Turner Richmond
Michaela Staniford Wasps
Danielle Waterman Clifton
Joanne Yapp Worcester

Head Coach Simon Amor, Coach Mike Friday.

by Julia Hutton
June 5th, 2008

England Women crowned Home Nations 7s champions

England Women picked up their third consecutive 7s win of the season on Sunday after winning
the Home Nations tournament at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

The 7s side, coached by Simon Amor and Mike Friday, added the latest piece of silverware which follows wins in the Amsterdam 7s and the London Emirates Airline 7s.

England were playing new opposition in the Home Nations championship, which was running alongside the final tournament in the IRB World 7s Series. Amor’s side, captained by Wasps’ Sue Day, defeated Scotland 19-12 and 24-0 and Wales 42-5 and 31-10 to top the table and win the prestigious crown.

In their first game against Wales England started at a furious pace to record a 42-5 victory, which saw tries for Michaela Staniford, Day, Rachel Burford, Danielle Waterman, Charlotte Barras and Heather Fisher. Saracens’ Burford also added six conversions.
Next-up were Scotland and England were held to a much closer victory against the host nation who ran in two tries. Touchdowns for Staniford, Fisher and Barras in the second-half, and two conversions from the boot of Alice Richardson secured the win.

In the second round of games, two tries from Kat Merchant and touchdowns for Waterman, Vicky Massarella and Sarah Marsh earned England a 31-10 victory.
England then powered their way to the title with a convincing 24-0 win against Scotland with scores from Waterman and Day and a brace of tries from Barras. Burford also added two conversions.

England Head Coach Amor said: “It’s really pleasing to get another win under our belts. We had four tough games in a short space of time but the players came through really well. We are now looking forward to the European 7s later this month in France, which is a massive tournament as we look to qualify for the 2009 IRB Rugby World 7s.”

England 7s squad
Charlotte Barras SaracensRachael Burford SaracensSusan Day Wasps (C)Heather Fisher WaspsEmma Layland RichmondVictoria Massarella SaracensKatherine Merchant WorcesterSarah Marsh WaspsAlice Richardson RichmondAmy Turner RichmondMichaela Staniford WaspsDanielle Waterman Clifton
Ends

…by Julia Hutton
June 1st, 2008

England Women defeat New Zealand in London Emirates Airline 7s

Worcester’s Gemma Sharples was in the thick of the action and after a nice pass from Saracens’ Claire Allan, Sharples’ slick run saw her beat two New Zealand players to the line and score. With Richardson adding the conversion England took the 14-10 victory.

England Women defeat New Zealand in London Emirates Airline 7s

England 14 New Zealand Aotearoa Maori 10

England claimed their second win on the bounce against the New Zealand Aotearoa Maori 7s team on Sunday after a thrilling 14-10 victory at Twickenham.

England, who were crowned Amsterdam 7s champions last weekend after also defeating New Zealand in the final, ran in two tries and kicked two conversions to seal the victory in the one off fixture at the home of English rugby.

The fixture also marked an historic day with New Zealand women playing their first international at Twickenham stadium. For England, however, they will be smiling after winning two consecutive games against a side who hadn’t been beaten in nine years of international sevens rugby until last week.

England Sevens Head Coach Simon Amor said: “I am delighted. We have made a big step-up today and the girls know that.

“We were a big messy in some places, but for most of our players they had never played at Twickenham before, let alone in front of a passionate crowd like this so this was a big day.

“It’s great that we have won two tournaments in a row and two finals against New Zealand, but we are by no means the finished article and we have still got a long way to go.”

The clash was a thrilling game from the first whistle to the last with both teams in the thick of the action. After four minutes Richmond’s Emma Layland handed England a 5-0 lead with a nice try after the ball went astray off the back of a New Zealand line-out and the England hooker ran in. Richmond’s Alice Richardson converted.

New Zealand bounced back just before half-time when some creative work from Black Ferns stalwart Anna Richards set-up Selica Winiata who then dummied her way through England’s defence to score. Crucially Richards missed the conversion keeping England 7-5 ahead at the break.

After the restart a quick tap penalty and a break from Ngahuri Thomas put the tourists 10-7 ahead but in the last seconds of the match England refused to give up and stole the win.

Worcester’s Gemma Sharples was in the thick of the action and after a nice pass from Saracens’ Claire Allan, Sharples’ slick run saw her beat two New Zealand players to the line and score. With Richardson adding the conversion England took the 14-10 victory.

England now head to Edinburgh for the Home Nations 7s tournament next Sunday hoping to secure three tournament wins on the trot.

Tries: Layland, Sharples
Conversions: Richardson (2)

London Sevens

Claire Allan Saracens
Susan Day Wasps (C)
Heather Fisher Wasps
Emma Layland Richmond
Sarah Marsh Wasps
Alice Richardson Richmond
Gemma Sharples Worcester
Danielle Waterman Clifton
Joanne Yapp Worcester

by Julia Hutton
May 25th, 2008

England Women crowned European Champions

England 12 Wales 6

England were crowned European Champions after a hard fought 12-6 victory against Wales in the European Championship final in Amsterdam on Saturday.

The win hands England another trophy to add to their already bulging silverware cabinet which includes the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam crown which they have now won three years on the bounce.

England Head Coach Gary Street, whose side also beat Sweden (80-3) and Ireland (22-11) on route to the final, said: “We are delighted with this victory. We have not won the elite European Championships since 1997. A lot of very good English sides have failed in this tournament but finally we have won it. It’s also great to be crowned Six Nations and European Champions in the same season. Not many sides can say they have done that.

“This was a tough game, but in the end we dominated the second-half and were in control. Wales gave us a very good test though, our first real test since the Rugby World Cup Final in 2006. You need tight games like this though and we proved today that we can come from behind and win.”

England indeed had to come from behind to steal the win after going 6-0 down at the break. Wales took advantage of having the strong wind behind them while England suffered in the blustery conditions.

First Wales’ Non Evans stroked over a 15th minute penalty after England were penalised for holding on and then she matched her efforts on 17 minutes when England didn’t roll away at the breakdown.

England and Wales also lost a player each to the sin-bin in the first-half with England losing Saracen hooker Amy Garnett.

After the restart England made the most of the wind and also started to dominate territory as well as possession. Darlington Mowden Park fly-half Katy McLean broke England’s duck with a 53rd minute penalty.

England then lost influential flanker Maggie Alphonsi to the sin-bin but England didn’t suffer with the likes of Rosemarie Crowley, Vicky Massarella and Sarah Beale being rolled on for some fresh legs.

On 67 minutes McLean added a second penalty to draw the scores level at 6-6 before adding a further two successful kicks at goal to clinch the 12-6 victory and the European Championship title.

England

1 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 12 Rachael Burford (VC) (Saracens), 13 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements: 16 Samantha Dale (Worcester), 17 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 18 Sarah Beale (Leos), 19 Karen Jones (Richmond), 20 Georgina Rozario (Plymouth Albion), 21 Kimberley Oliver (Clifton), 22 Vicky Massarella (Saracens)

Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties: McLean (4)
Substitutions: Oliver for Merchant (43), Crowley for Hemming, Massarella for Staniford, Beale for McGilchrist (all 61), Rozario for Turner (73), Dale for Garnett, Jones for Hunter (all 75).

by Julia Hutton
May 24th, 2008

England add European Crown

England Womens Rugby have added yet another title to their impressive season. Earlier today beating Wales 12 - 6 the girls added European Champions to their laurels.

More to follow

England Women pick for Sevens

England Women have named strong squads for both the Amsterdam and London Sevens tournaments.

Head Coach Simon Amor, along with his assistant Mike Friday, have selected two squads that boast a total of 263 caps between the thirteen players.

Two former England captains, Worcester's Jo Yapp and Wasps' Sue Day, return from international retirement to spearhead England's sevens campaign as the team continue their preparations to qualify for the inaugural IRB Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in 2009.

The Amsterdam Sevens squad, to be played on the weekend of May 17/18, includes seven players who helped England win the 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam. There are also call-ups for Sonia Green, who has been a regular for England A this season and Heather Fisher who has also previously played for England A.

For the London Sevens England will play a one off fixture against the New Zealand Aotearoa Maori Sevens team on May 25 at Twickenham Stadium. The NZ Aotearoa Maori Sevens have won the Hong Kong Sevens four years on the bounce.

"Amsterdam is a great tournament to kick start our sevens campaign," said former England Sevens Captain Amor.

"There are some really competitive national teams involved including Canada, the USA and the NZ Aotearoa Maori team. That's good news for us as we need to challenge ourselves early on.

"It's certainly going to be a tough tournament, especially as we could potentially play nine games in two days, that is three more than I ever played for England on the World Sevens circuit.

"I'm really pleased with the two squads we've got for Amsterdam and London. It's great to have the likes of Jo Yapp and Sue Day back in action for England.

"All the players have been working really hard over the last couple of weeks and I'm really pleased with the way they are developing. This is going to be an exciting month of sevens rugby."

Amsterdam Sevens squad: Claire Allan (Saracens), Charlotte Barras (Saracens), Rachael Burford (Saracens), Susan Day (Wasps), Heather Fisher (Wasps), Sonia Green (Saracens), Emma Layland (Richmond), Sarah Marsh (Wasps), Alice Richardson (Richmond), Michaela Staniford (Wasps), Danielle Waterman (Clifton), Joanne Yapp (Worcester).

London Sevens squad: Claire Allan (Saracens), Susan Day (Wasps), Heather Fisher (Wasps), Sonia Green (Saracens), Emma Layland (Richmond), Sarah Marsh (Wasps), Alice Richardson (Richmond), Gemma Sharples (Worcester), Danielle Waterman (Clifton), Joanne Yapp (Worcester).

Congratulations

A big congratulations to Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) for leading her country against Sweden in the European Championships earlier this month. Kay has had an outstanding season this season, and I am sure now that she has had a taste of Captaincy she will be relishing further opportunities

England Women bid to win the European Championships

Tomorrow (Saturday) when they take on Wales in the final in Amsterdam, kick-off 3pm BST.

The European Championships for elite international sides comes around once every four years, with a development European Championship staged in the years in between.

Last year England’s A squad won the final by defeating France A 27-17 but this year England Head Coach Gary Street is hoping his Elite 22 can match the A team’s efforts and be crowned European Champions.

Street has made one positional change to the team that defeated Ireland 22-11 in the semi-finals on Tuesday with Lichfield’s Rosemarie Crowley coming in for Wasps’ Clare Purdy on the bench.

England last played Wales in the first game of this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship. England racked up a 55-0 win in February before going on to win an unprecedented third consecutive six nations Grand Slam crown.

Street, whose side also beat Sweden 80-3 on route to Saturday’s final, said: “Preparations have been going fantastically well and all our players are fit and well. We have had selection dilemmas because the players’ performances have been so strong, but I’m very happy with this 22.

“Wales had a tough game against France in their semi-final, winning 18-10, and they endured a real physical battle. They’ll certainly be motivated for this game, especially with the 6 Nations defeat raw in their minds. Wales are a good side and we have to be wary of them, especially as they have so much experience.

“For us, the expectancy is there for us to win but what we are looking at is playing our own game well and showing that we can play an exciting brand of attacking rugby. If we can do that, then hopefully the result will follow. Having not won the Elite European Championships since 1997, we are desperate to win this time, so we won’t be lacking any motivation.”

England

1 Sophie Hemming Clifton
2 Amy Garnett Saracens
3 Rochelle Clark Henley
4 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
6 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
8 Catherine Spencer (C) Worcester
9 Amy Turner Richmond
10 Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
12 Rachael Burford (VC) Saracens
13 Michaela Staniford Wasps
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
15 Charlotte Barras Saracens
Replacements:
16 Samantha Dale Worcester
17 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
18 Sarah Beale Leos
19 Karen Jones Richmond
20 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
21 Kimberley Oliver Clifton
22 Vicky Massarella Saracens

by Julia Hutton
May 23rd, 2008

England Women through to European Championship Final

England 22 Ireland 11



England Women booked their place in the final of the European Championships tonight (Tuesday) after a controlled win over Home Nation rivals Ireland in Drachten, Holland.

England touched down four times with Worcester’s Katherine Merchant claiming a brace of tries. Saracens’ Maggie Alphonsi and Richmond’s Fiona Pocock also scored tries while Saracens and England’s vice captain Rachel Burford added one conversion.

England will now play Wales in the final on Saturday in Amsterdam, kick off 3pm BST.

England started the game on the back-foot after Ireland slotted home a penalty when England were penalised for a high tackle, but a try from Merchant on nine minutes put the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions back in charge.

The score came following an excellent and well-worked line-out which saw the ball worked across the field with Merchant coming in from the blindside to score in the left-hand corner. Burford added the conversion to hand England a 7-3 lead.

Both England and Ireland went a player down to the sin-bin after 20 minutes with England losing Sophie Hemming, but that didn’t stop the scoring with Merchant claiming her second touchdown just before half time.

This time some more good work in the line-out saw England steal the ball and after some great continuity the ball was moved back to Merchant for the Worcester winger to score in the right corner. Burford missed the conversion, but England went into the break with a 12-3 lead.

Gary Street’s side came out firing on all cylinders after the restart and Richmond’s Pocock, playing in only her second game for England, made the most of some turn-over ball from the kick-off to score and hand England a 17-3 cushion.

Saracens’ flanker Alphonsi stretch England’s lead further on 61 minutes after a great break from Burford in the midfield, and some good support saw Alphonsi finish off the move.

Ireland however came back at England and stroked over a 64th minute penalty before adding a try in extra time, but their efforts came too late with England securing their second win over their Home Nations rivals in two months.

England Head Coach Street said: “I’m really happy we are through to the final. We have got areas to work on before Saturday’s game, but at the moment we are just happy that we got though to Saturday’s game comfortably.

“Ireland were as committed as ever and they gave us a tough game but we were in control and their last score flattered the final score-line.”

England

1 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 12 Rachael Burford (VC) (Saracens), 13 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements: 16 Samantha Dale (Worcester), 17 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 18 Sarah Beale (Leos), 19 Karen Jones (Richmond), 20 Georgina Rozario (Plymouth Albion), 21 Kimberley Oliver (Clifton), 22 Vicky Massarella (Saracens)

Tries: Merchant (2), Pocock, Alphonsi
Conversions: Burford (2)
Substitutions: Beale for McGilchrist (57), Massarella for Barras (57), Jones for Alphonsi (62), Purdy for Clark (62), Oliver for Burford (65), Dale for Garnett (66), Rozario for Turner (66).

by Julia Hutton
May 20th, 2008

England Women’s team for European Championship semi-final against Ireland announced

The England Women’s team to take on Ireland in the semi-finals of the European Championships tomorrow (Tuesday) in Drachten, Holland, kick-off 7pm BST, has today been announced.

England Head Coach Gary Street has made 11 changes to the starting line-up that defeated Sweden 80-3 on Saturday, including an all new front row.

Street has also called-up Saracens’ Rachel Burford and Charlotte Barras and Wasps’ Michaela Staniford who all competed in the Amsterdam 7s last weekend, which England won by defeating the New Zealand Aotearoa Maoris in the final.

England last played Ireland in the final game of this season’s RBS 6 Nations and won 17-7 to clinch an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam crown.

Street said: “We have made several changes for this game and are fortunate enough to be able to beef up the squad with the players who were successful in Amsterdam at the weekend.

“With three games in the space of a week it’s really important to get some fresh legs on the pitch and also give everyone some game time if we are really going to challenge for honours.

“Playing Ireland is going to be a tough match and certainly a big step up in opposition after playing Sweden on Saturday. When we last took them on we were a little disappointed with out performance so this is a great opportunity to put in a better display so soon after playing them in March.

“Ireland have certainly brought a strong squad here and I’m sure they’ll be feeling confident after their good performance against us. They also picked up a good win against Spain in their opening match, winning 41-7.”

In the other European Championship semi-final Wales are playing France at 7pm BST on Tuesday.

England

1 Sophie Hemming Clifton
2 Amy Garnett Saracens
3 Rochelle Clark Henley
4 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
6 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
8 Catherine Spencer (C) Worcester
9 Amy Turner Richmond
10 Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
12 Rachael Burford (VC) Saracens
13 Michaela Staniford Wasps
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
15 Charlotte Barras Saracens
Replacements:
16 Samantha Dale Worcester
17 Claire Purdy Wasps
18 Sarah Beale Leos
19 Karen Jones Richmond
20 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
21 Kimberley Oliver Clifton
22 Vicky Massarella Saracens
by Julia Hutton
May 19th, 2008

England Women through to European Championship semi-finals

England 80 Sweden 3

England Women booked their place in the semi-finals of the European Championships on Saturday with an impressive 80-3 victory over emerging rugby nation Sweden.

The reigning RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions obliterated their opposition despite having five new caps make their debuts today. In total they ran in a massive 80 points grabbing 14 tries along the way.

England will now either play Ireland or Spain on Tuesday May 20th at 7pm BST in Amsterdam for a place in Saturday European Championship final.

Worcester wing Kat Merchant kicked off England’s cricket score win with the first of the 14 tries after just four minutes when a good ball from a 15 metre scrum saw the ball recycled into the midfield. Merchant then pounced on the ball to break through and score. Match day captain Katy McLean added the conversion.

Leos lock Sarah Beale added a converted try just three minutes later to hand England a 14-0 lead before Sweden’s fly-half claimed their only score of the match with a 12th minute penalty.

Lichfield centre Vicki Jackson, making her debut for England, claimed the first of her three tries on 25 minutes when a turn-over ball saw Jackson attack and score in the corner. McLean this time missed the conversion. Jackson then claimed her brace on 35 minutes to hand England a 19-3 lead at half-time.

During the break Head Coach Gary Street made two changes with Richmond’s Amy Turner replacing Clifton’s Kim Oliver and Sarah Hunter making way for Tamara Taylor.

Richmond’s experienced forward and England’s vice captain Karen Jones handed England a 26 point cushion on 42 minutes when she pushed her way over the line, before Fran Matthews claimed her first try for England on her debut. The Richmond wing was set-up by the experience Turner after a turn-over ball.

Merchant claimed her brace of tries on 55 minutes, before a raft of changes for England made matters even worse for Sweden. The likes of England captain Catherine Spencer, Maggie Alphonsi, Rochelle Clark coming off the bench certainly had an impact with England adding another seven tries in the space of 24 minutes.

Substitute Fiona Pocock also had an immediate effect touching down after just four minutes of being on the pitch and on her debut, after some great handling from the forwards and backs. Turner converted to hand England a 44-3 lead.

Moments later and forward Alphonsi added a score before Pocock claimed her brace of tries.

A great individual effort from Jackson saw the England debutant grab her hat-trick, of which she converted before also adding conversions on tries by Merchant and Alphonsi.

England captain Spencer then added the final try on 80 minutes with a well worked push over try to hand England the 80-3 victory.

England Head Coach Street said: “This was a good first game for the start of the tournament. Sweden were a very spirited side, but in the end we proved we were in a class above.

“We made some unforced errors to start with and there were some nerves, but that is understandable with so many new caps in this game. In the end we steadied the game and the new caps stepped up to the plate. We are now looking forward to the semi-finals.”

The European Championships sees 14 teams from across Europe compete for the coveted crown, including all the Home Nations teams as well as France, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden.

If England win the semi-finals on May 20th, they will compete in the final on May 24th.

England

1 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 2 Samantha Dale (Worcester), 3 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 4 Sarah Beale ( Leos), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Marlie Packer (Bath), 8 Karen Jones (Richmond), 9 Georgina Rozario (Plymouth Albion), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) (C), 11 Francesca Matthews (Richmond), 12 Kimberley Oliver (Clifton), 13 Vicki Jackson (Lichfield), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 15 Vicky Massarella (Saracens). Replacements: 16 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 17 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 18 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 19 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 20 Catherine Spencer (Worcester), 21 Amy Turner (Richmond), 22 Fiona Pocock (Richmond).

Head Coach Gary Street, Assistant Coach Graham Smith

Tries: Merchant (3), Beale, Jackson (3), Jones, Matthews, Pocock (2), Alphonsi (2), Spencer.
Conversions: McLean (2), Turner (3)
Substitutions: Turner for Oliver (40), Taylor for Hunter (40), Garnett for Dale, Clark for Purdy, Pocock for McLean, Alphonsi for Packer, Spencer for Bealer (all 56 mins).

by Julia Hutton
May 17th, 2008

England Women crowned Amsterdam 7s Champions

England Women were crowned champions of the Amsterdam 7s today (Sunday) after an impressive run in their first tournament of the season.

Simon Amor’s side defeated their arch rivals the New Zealand Aotearoa Maoris in the championship final 24-5, reversing an earlier defeat they had suffered in the pool stages of the competition.

England, who will also play New Zealand in the London Emirates Airline 7s in a week’s time at Twickenham, ran in four tries to New Zealand’s sole touchdown to clinch the championship win. Clifton’s Danielle Waterman claimed a brace of tries, with former England captain Jo Yapp and Heather Fisher also scoring a try. Saracens’ Rachel Burford added two conversions.

England 7s Head Coach Amor, a former England 7s captain himself, said: “The team have been sensational. They have performed so well and I am very proud of them. Playing nine games in two days is a big ask, but the players have come through it fantastically well.

“Next up we have got the London Emirates Airline 7s against New Zealand next weekend and that is going to be a massive occasion and challenge, but one we are relishing as we look to build on our sevens campaign this season and ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup 7s.”

England booked their place in the final after cruising through Saturday’s pool stages, winning four games and scoring 226 points along the way.

On Sunday they finished second in their pool after beating an international invitational team called Susie's Valkyries 47-0 and Canada 26-0. England then suffered a 21-7 defeat at the hands of New Zealand, giving them a semi-final clash against the USA, who were seeded second after the second round of pool games.

England rose to the challenge and grinded out a 14-5 win thanks to tries by Richmond’s Emma Layland and Saracens’ Charlotte Barras and thereby booking their place in the final.

England results:

Day Two Pool Games

England 47 Susie's Valkyries 0
Tries: Waterman (3), Marsh, Day (2), Burford
Conversions: Burford (6)

England 26 Canada 0
Tries: Barras, Staniford (2), Waterman
Conversions: Richardson (3)

England 7 New Zealand 21
Tries: Barras
Conversions: Burford

Semi-Finals
England 14 USA 5
Tries: Layland, Barras
Conversions: Burford, Richardson

Final
England 24 New Zealand Aotearoa Maoris 5
Tries: Waterman (2), Yapp, Fisher
Conversions: Burford (2)

Amsterdam Sevens squad

Claire Allan Saracens
Charlotte Barras Saracens
Rachael Burford Saracens
Susan Day Wasps (captain)
Heather Fisher Wasps
Sonia Green Saracens
Emma Layland Richmond
Sarah Marsh Wasps
Alice Richardson Richmond
Michaela Staniford Wasps
Danielle Waterman Clifton
Joanne Yapp Worcester

by Julia Hutton
May 18th, 2008

England Women’s squad for European Cup announced

The England Women’s squad to compete in the FIRA AER European Cup in Amsterdam next month has today (Thursday) been announced.

England Head Coach Gary Street has named a strong squad of 26 players which includes 20 players that helped England win this season’s RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam crown. The squad will once again be led by captain Catherine Spencer with Saracens’ Rachel Burford as Vice Captain.

There are call-ups too for Lichfield duo Rosemarie Crowley and Vicki Jackson as well as Richmond’s Francesca Matthews and Bath’s Marlie Packer, all of whom could earn their first cap for England.

There is also a return to international action for Clifton’s Kim Oliver who has been out of action all season with a knee injury. Oliver was a key member of the England squad that reached the IRB Rugby World Cup final in 2006 and she will be looking to build on the ten caps she’s already amassed.

The European Cup is a tournament which takes place every four years and will see 14 teams from across Europe compete for the coveted crown, including all the Home Nations teams as well as France, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden. England last won the European Cup in 1997.

The tournament kicks off on Saturday May 17th and will see England, seeded in Group A, take on Sweden on May 17th. If England are successful they will next play in the semi-finals on May 20th with the final taking place on May 24th.

England Head Coach Street said: “Having not won this tournament since 1997 we are taking a very strong squad to Amsterdam. This championship comes around once every four years and we are keen to build on the progress we have been making this season and win the European crown.

“It’s also important that we look at the bigger picture and give members of our elite 44 the chance to show their potential and that is why we are taking four uncapped players. For some of them this is going to be a big step-up. Marlie and Roz have been playing for the under 20s this season and this is going to be an important tournament for them as it will be for Vicki Jackson and Fran Matthews.

“It’s also fantastic to have Kim back in action. She has missed a lot of rugby since the rugby world cup final, but she is back and is in impressive form and will add invaluable strength to our squad as not only is she a talented centre but is also a talented player at fly half.”

Street added: “Our ambition, as always, is to win. This has been a difficult tournament in the past for us so this is an ideal opportunity for us to continue to raise the bar with the 2010 IRB Rugby World Cup not far away.

“I am expecting it to be another tough tournament for us. The European teams really target this as their big tournament so that will be a challenge for us, as will playing a championship abroad and in different conditions.”

England squad

Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
Charlotte Barras Saracens
Sarah Beale Leos
Rachael Burford (vc)Saracens
Rochelle Clark Henley
Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
Samantha Dale Worcester
Amy Garnett Saracens
Sophie Hemming Clifton
Sarah Hunter Lichfield
Vicki Jackson Lichfield
Karen Jones Richmond
Vicky Massarella Saracens
Francesca MatthewsRichmond
Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
Katherine Merchant Worcester
Kimberley Oliver Clifton
Marlie Packer Bath
Claire Purdy Wasps
Georgina Roberts Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
Catherine Spencer (C)Worcester
Michaela Staniford Wasps
Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
Amy Turner Richmond

Head Coach Gary Street
Assistant Coach Graham Smith


by Julia Hutton

England Women Under 20s record back-to-back wins over Wales

England Under 20s 43 Wales Under 20s 0

England Women Under 20s will head to Canada for the inaugural Under 20s Nations Cup in July in confident spirits after a second win over Wales this season.

The England young guns kept Wales from scoring a single point on both occasion after a 31-0 defeat in February and today’s impressive 43-0 victory at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire.

England touched down seven times en-route to the win with Bath Rugby’s Marlie Packer grabbing a brace of tries. Lichfield full back Emily Scarratt also kicked four conversions as well as claiming a try herself.

It did, however, take England 25 minutes to put the points on the board after a physical opening to the game which saw Wales do well in the scrum and line-outs. England’s fitness however told and in the end it was Worcester co-captain Laura Keates who broke the duck with the first try. Her score though was largely due to a superb counter-attack by Bath wing Natasha Hunt who charged 70 metres up-field before off-loading to Keates. Scarratt converted.

13 minutes later and England led 14-0 when Scarratt came into the midfield and manoeuvred her way around two Welsh defenders to put Camberley wing Georgina Crabb through to score in the corner for a converted try just before half-time.

After the break Scarratt, who has played for England A this season also, claimed her sole try after a clever chip at the back of a scrum by Doncaster fly half Claire Garner. Scarratt collected and dived over the line to score under the posts.

Substitute Sam Bree, of Worcester RFC, then had her chance with her first touch of the ball when she charged over the line from 40 metres out. Scarratt again added the conversion making the score 26-0 with 55 minutes on the clock.

Minutes later and Packer claimed the first of her two tries when a well worked line-out saw Packer muscle her way through Wales’ defence and score. Scarratt was as consistent as ever with her kick and slotted over the conversion.

On 71 minutes another replacement, Nicola Hoole of Bath, benefitted from another good England line-out which saw her touch down from five metres out before Packer rounded off the game for England. This time the Bath flanker picked up a loose ball after Wales’ full back failed to catch a pressure up and under kick from Saracens’ April Brown.

England Under 20s Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “This was an improved and pleasing performance. The team has taken on board the lessons they learned from our last game against Wales and have also put into practice what we have been doing in training well. We can now look forward to our tour to Canada later this year where we hope we can improve even more on the global stage.”

The Wales victory was England’s final match before the 2008 inaugural Under 20s Nations Cup which takes place in Toronto, Canada from July 10 to the 20th. There they will play Wales, Canada and the USA.

England Under 20s

1 Laura Keates (Worcester) C, 2 Davinia Monteiro (Wasps), 3 Elizabeth Peak (Cheltenham), 4 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), 5 Charlotte Wild (Buxton RFC), 6 Isabelle Noel-Smith (Bath), 7 Marlie Packer (Bath), 8 Louise Leonard (Blaydon), 9 Rachel Fraser (Morpeth), 10 Claire Garner (Doncaster), 11 Georgina Crabb (Camberley), 12 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanian Saints), 13 Rose Fong (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 14 Natasha Hunt (Bath), 15 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Charlotte Male ( Ivel Barbarians), 17 Vicky Fleetwood (Lichfield), 18 Juliet Short ( Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 19 Nicola Hoole (Bath), 20 Sarah Guest (Worcester), 21 April Brown (Saracens), 22 Samantha Bree (Worcester).

Tries: Keates, Crabb, Scarratt, Bree, Packer (2), Hoole
Conversions: Scarratt (4)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Short for Wild and Bree for Crabb (50), Guest for Fraser and Male for Peak (57), Brown for Garner and Hoole for Noel-Smith (60), Fleetwood for Monteiro (70).

Wales Under 20s

1 Becky Newton, 2 Amy Lawrence, 3 Lowri Harries, 4 Sian Williams, 5 Sioned Harries, 6 Carys John (vc), 7 Amy Thompson, 8 Vicky Owens, 9 Laura Marsh, 10 Bethan Preece, 11 Sam Hill, 12 Ceri Redman, 13 Levi Hallett, 14 Rachel Green, 15 Mared Evans ©. Replacements: 16 Carley Powell, 17 Issy Jones, 18 Rachel Jones, 19 Lisa Newton, 20 Hannah Lerwill, 21 Sophie Francis, 22 Sian Owen.


by Julia Hutton


photo by Scrumpix Sports Photography

March 26th, 2008

HPA’s 2008

The High Performance Academies (HPA’s) will be held over the weekend of 12th & 13th July 2008.


HPA’s will be held at;


Leeds (Leeds Met Uni)
Lichfield (Lichfield RFC)
Uxbridge (Brunel University)
Taunton (Wellington School)


Seniors will attend both days with a view to be selected for the HPA / Super 4 Trials which will be held on 22nd – 24th August 2008 at RAF Halton (Buckinghamshire).


There will be HPA’s for both U15 & U18 age group (alongside the Senior programme). The U15s and U18s will attend for one of the days over the weekend (12th/13th July) at the same venue.

Final information regarding the HPA’s and the specific venue will be made available in due course via the RFU website.

England Women’s captain appointed TRDT Ambassador

England Women’s captain, Catherine Spencer, has been appointed an Ambassador of the Tag Rugby Development Trust (TRDT).

Spencer, who led England to an unprecedented third consecutive RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in March, is supporting the unique charity which introduces primary school children in developing countries to Tag Rugby through volunteer tours that build a positive legacy through local involvement and UK support.

This year TRDT will be hard at work in Zambia, Uganda, India, South Africa Namibia, Tanzania and Rwanda

Spencer, who plays for Worcester RFC but is originally from Kent, said: “I am extremely honoured to have been asked to be an ambassador for such a worthwhile charity.

"I first heard about TRDT a couple of years ago when I watched a short presentation on one of their tours. I was immediately impressed by the work that was being done around the world.

“Rugby has had a fantastic influence on my life and has provided me with much happiness and enjoyment. The more people around the world that can have the opportunity to experience the joys of rugby, the better I think. We take the accessibility of rugby for granted in this country; TRDT is reaching out to those people who do not have this sporting luxury.”

TRDT Trustee Trevor Martingell added: “TRDT is proud to have the England Ladies captain as an Ambassador; the RFUW has been very supportive to TRDT and this will serve to strengthen the bond.

“Catherine has shown her leadership and guidance in her rugby, some of the same qualities that TRDT use to develop rugby around the world and in the development of its leaders and volunteers. TRDT hope to see Catherine travel to Africa or India to see first-hand the work she so proudly supports.”


by Julia Hutton
April 10th, 2008

England Women to take on New Zealand at the Emirates Airline London Sevens

England Women will get the chance to take on their arch rivals New Zealand when they compete for sevens glory in a one off fixture in the Emirates Airline London Sevens on May 25th at Twickenham.

New Zealand are the world’s number one ranked team in the 15 aside game and their Aotearoa NZ Maori team also have a formidable record, winning the Hong Kong Sevens four years on the bounce.

England, who are ranked second in world rugby after their defeat to New Zealand in the 2006 IRB Rugby World Cup final, are stepping up their sevens campaign ahead of the 2009 IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens and the 2010 IRB Rugby World Cup.

The England Sevens squad are led by former England men’s sevens captain Simon Amor and he is assisted on the coaching side by former England Sevens Head Coach Mike Friday.

This year Amor will be taking England to the Amsterdam Sevens in May before the Emirates Airline London Sevens. They will then compete in the Home Nations Cup in Edinburgh in June and the European Sevens and South Africa Sevens in July and August.

Amor said: “I am delighted that we have got this opportunity to play the New Zealand Aotearoa Maori sevens team. To play a team that is billed as the best in the world is a fabulous opportunity for our players, as we look to build on our sevens programme. It is really important that we are playing quality opposition.

“It will be a massive game for the players. To be given the opportunity to play for your country is a big honour and challenge in itself, to then play New Zealand at Twickenham in front of a massive crowd is an even bigger occasion.

“Some of our players won’t have played in front of such a big crowd before so this is their opportunity to shine and also give the spectators an insight into women’s rugby and the high standard they are playing at. I am sure a lot of people will be shocked as to how good these players are and the quality of rugby they can play.”

England last played the New Zealand Aotearoa Maori sevens team in 2003 and lost 27-0 in the Hong Kong Sevens final.

The one-off England versus New Zealand match is one of just 44 sevens matches that will take place at Twickenham on the Emirates Airline London Sevens weekend on May 24th and 25th. There will be 16 other top international sides in action playing fast paced, thrilling and entertaining sevens rugby.


by Julia Hutton
April 10th, 2008

Saracens defend Women’s Premiership crown

Saracens Women have been crowned champions of the English Premiership for the third year in succession.

Their defence of the title means they have become the first women’s club in English Premiership rugby history to retain the title three years on the bounce.

The North London side claimed the title in emphatic style by not losing a single game all season. They also scored an impressive 457 points, 215 points more than their nearest rivals, second place Wasps.

The Saracens team include England internationals Claire Allan, Maggie Alphonsi, Charlotte Barras, Rachel Burford, Amy Garnett and Vicky Massarella who were all part of the England team that were crowned RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions this month.


by Julia Hutton

Francesca Matthews

One of 12 newcomers to England’s Elite squad this season, Fran can play in the centre or in the pack’s backrow. She currently plays club rugby for Camberley RFC and is from Frimley originally.

I have been very impressed by Fran Matthews, she had an outstanding game last night against the Nomads, and on that form, I can say we shall be seeing a lot more of this girl in years to come. A tenacious player, who packs a punch higher than her weight. A definite one to watch.

England women claim historic Slam

England women secured a 17-7 win over Ireland to claim an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam victory.

Saracens centre Claire Allan, who scored six tries during the campaign, set England on their way, touching down in the first minute of the game.

On 70 minutes Leos forward Sarah Beale grabbed England's second try, before Yvonne Nolan touched down for Ireland.

England head coach Gary Street said: "We've a strong squad - that's going to stand us in good stead for the future."

The BBC

England Players Player

Also announced last night was the England's Players Player award. A much deserved Tamara Taylor was announced as a worthy and well supported winner. Tam, undoubtedly one of the best second rows in the world at the moment. Receiving her award from Gill Burns, Tam was hailed with loud and rapturous applause a popular winner. Congratulations Tam from Denis and Mark

England A Players Player Announced

Arguably the most coveted award for any player is that, that is selected by one peers. Players Player for England A was announced last night and deservedly won by the tenacious Sonia Green. "Congratulations Sonic", the gritty back row stalwart has been outstanding this season, and overcame "Floppy Flanker Syndrome" to bounce up and receive her award at the after match dinner.

England Women crowned RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions

England 17 Ireland 7

England Women were crowned the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions on Saturday following a hard fought 17-7 victory over Ireland at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury.

The victory hands England an unprecedented third consecutive Grand Slam victory in Six Nations history and clearly sends out a strong message to the reigning World Champions New Zealand ahead of the next IRB Rugby World Cup in 2010.

England’s 17-7 victory comes following a 55-0 win over Wales, a 76-6 triumph against Italy, a record away 31-0 victory against France and a 5-34 defeat of Scotland. Saracens centre Claire Allan led the try scoring tally with an impressive six touchdowns during the campaign, including a try in the first minute of the game against Ireland.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “It’s a great feeling to win the Grand Slam again. For me this is my first one as Head Coach and I have to say this title is a testament to the hard work of the players on and off the field.

“We would have liked to put in a better performance today but really today is all about the performance of this team throughout the championship. The real success story has been the bonding of this squad, from a new coaching team to a relatively new and young squad. We clearly have a very strong squad with a lot of depth and that is going to stand us in very good stead for the future.”

England Assistant Coach Graham Smith added: “I am obviously delighted that we have won, and won the title again. It is an amazing achievement.

“Today was tough, but we always knew it would be against Ireland. For the first 15 minutes of the game I think we played a completely error free game of rugby but when we failed to score again Ireland grew in confidence and came back at us.

“For me, the forwards have been an immense part of our campaign. They really are a talented bunch and their scrummaging and line-outs have been outstanding. Overall I think there is a very special feeling about this squad and they could well prove to be world beaters. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the RFU and the Guinness Premiership Academies for their help in developing our players as well as the hard work of all of those involved in the success of this England team.”

England were handed their Grand Slam title after a hard fought 80 minutes of rugby. The home side initially looked like they would run in another cricket score win after a try for Allen with just a minute on the clock. The score came following a scrum in Ireland’s 22 with Richmond’s scrum-half Amy Turner popping the ball up to Allan who scored under the posts. Fly-half Katy McLean converted to hand England a 7-0 lead.

Just seven minutes later and McLean had another chance at goal with a penalty and she was successful, though a missed kick at goal on 20 minutes left England having to settle for a 10-0 lead at half-time.

After the restart Ireland continued to keep England at bay with some fierce defending. They too were aggressive at the breakdown, stopping England from getting their consistency going while the home side made the win hard work for themselves too.

On 70 minutes Leos forward Sarah Beale broke the deadlock after England drove forward in Ireland’s 22 and Beale managed to break away and score. This time Richardson added the conversion to hand England the 17-0 lead.

Ireland refused to give up though and their gritty determination in the dying minutes of the game paid off when they were handed a line-out five metres out from England’s line. They executed the line-out well and drove over with replacement Yvonne Nolan claiming the spoils. Grace Davitt converted to make the final score 17-7.

England

1 Rochelle Clark (Henley), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Katy Storie (Blaydon Team Northumbria), 4 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), 8 Catherine Spencer (C) (Worcester), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 11 Danielle Waterman (Clifton), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 14 Michaela Staniford (Wasps), 15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens). Replacements:
16 Emma Layland (Richmond), 17 Sophie Hemming (Clifton), 18 Sarah Beale (Leos), 19 Karen Jones (Richmond), 20 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 21 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 22 Victoria Massarella (Saracens)

Tries: Allan, Beale
Conversions: McLean, Richardson
Penalities: McLean
Substitutions: Merchant for Waterman (48), Richardson for McLean & Massarella for Barras (53), Beale for McGilchrist (56), Layland for Garnett (65), Jones for Hunter & Hemming for Clark (68),

Ireland

1 Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemian), 2 Jessika Limbert (Cooke), 3 Marie Barrett (Highfield), 4 Germaine Healy (Blackrock), 5 Caroline Mahon (UL Bohemian), 6 Orla Brennan (Blackrock), 7 Eimear O Sullivan (Highfield), 8 Joy Neville (UL Bohs), 9 Tania Rosser (Blackrock), 10 Jo O Sullivan (Richmond), 11 Grace Davitt (Blackrock), 12 Shannon Houston (Blackrock), 13 Patrique Kelly (UL Bohemian), 14 Lynne Cantwell (UL Bohemian), 15 Sarah Jane Belton (UL Bohemian) C. Replacements: 16 Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemian), 17 Yvonne Nolan (Blackrock), 18 Louise Austin (Blackrock), 19 Sinead Ryan (Blackrock), 20 Louise Beamish (UL Bohemian), 21 Niamh Briggs (Clonmel), 22 Amy Davis (Cooke).

Tries: Nolan
Conversions: Davitt
Penalities:

Referee: Andrew Healy (SRU)

Half-time score: 10-0

by Julia Hutton

England A Women fail to get the better of Nomads

England A 15 Nomads 24

England A Women had to settle for second best against the Nomads after a 15-24 defeat at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury, on Saturday.

Mike Barnett’s side were unable to overcome their more experienced rivals again after they were also beaten 27-12 by the Nomads in February.

Once again the Nomads were at full strength with a side that boasted 892 international caps between them and 11 players who have all captained their country.

Barnett was, however, satisfied that his young side had moved forward since their last meeting. He said: “There was a definite improvement here today. The girls went into the game with a lot more confidence and I was really pleased with the way we started the game. The Nomads came back at us though and managed to put us on the back-foot going into the second half.

“Overall though this was another good test and I would much rather have a tough game against the Nomads than an easy outing. The players will learn a lot from these games and that is what they need if they are then going to play for England.”

England started the clash at a terrific pace and were unlucky not to score in their first attack of the game. But England’s momentum continued and after a scrum on the right wing the ball was recycled out to the left and Guest set-up Rae to score on just two minutes. Rae missed the conversion.

The Nomads immediately hit back and former England captain Jo Yapp was unlucky not to score when she was held up at the line. It didn’t matter for the visitors though, who drew level on 20 minutes with Scottish fullback Lucy Millard touching down thanks to some good play between half backs Yapp and Susie Appleby.

The Nomads also missed the conversion and England clawed their way to a 8-5 lead with a penalty from Rae, though that lead was short lived with Appleby handing the Nomads a 12-8 lead. This time a scrum in England’s 22 saw the ball picked up and Yapp set-up Appleby to score. Former England fly-half Karen Andrew converted.

Matters worsened for England with the loss of Sam Dale to the sin-bin and the Nomads duly took advantage with Scotland No. 8 Donna Kennedy breaking loose from another scrum. With Andrew converting the Nomads led 19-8 at half-time.

Kennedy then continued where she had left off after the break with England still a player down when she touched down for her second try.

England were not down hearted though and refused to give up. On 45 minutes Wasps lock Natalie Binstead put England back in contention. The score came following a great break by Georgina Roberts. She off loaded in the tackle to Emily Scarratt who was pulled down just short of the line. England retained possession though and the ball was recycled out to Binstead who went over to score. Rae added the conversion and with England failing to break the Nomads line again, they had to settle for the 15-24 defeat.

England A

1 Claire Purdy (Wasps) (C), 2 Samantha Dale (Worcester), 3 Rosemarie Crowley (Lichfield), 4 Sara Anastasi (Richmond), 5 Natalie Binstead (Wasps), 6 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 7 Jane Leonard (Wasps/Army), 8 Sonia Green (Saracens), 9 Sarah Guest (Worcester), 10 Shelley Rae (Wasps), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 12 Charlotte Boggis (Exeter University), 13 Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 14 Francesca Matthews (Richmond), 15 Vicki Jackson (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Samantha Jamieson (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 17 Monica Lewinska (Clifton), 18 Alexandra Stevens (Lichfield), 19 Lois Moulding (Lichfield), 20 Karina Page (Old Albanian Saints), 21 Tina Lee (Clifton), 22 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

Tries: Rae, Binstead
Conversions: Rae
Penalties: Rae
Substitutions: Jamieson for Green (36), Green for Jamieson (46), Lee for Boggis & Scarratt for Jackson (49), Stevens for Anastasi (49), Moulding for Sharples (49), Jamieson for Dale (55), Page for Pocock (65), Lewinska for Crowley (70).

Nomads

1 Leslie Cripps (C) (Canada), 2 Ann O'Flynn (England), 3 Vanessa Gray (England), 4 Mara Moberg (Netherlands), 5 Jenny Lynne (England), 6 Georgia Stevens (England), 7 Helen Clayton (England), 8 Donna Kennedy (Scotland), 9 Joanne Yapp (England), 10 Karen Andrew (England), 11Sue Day (VC) (England), 12 Sarah Ulmer (Canada), 13 Rimma Pettlevania (Scotland), 14 Sarah Marsh (England), 15 Lucy Millard (Scotland). Replacements: 16 Maxine Edwards (England), 17 Phillipa Crews (England A), 18 Eryka Wessell (Ireland), 19 Lauran Englebretsen (New Zealand), 20 Susie Appleby (England), 21 Assunta de Biase (England), 22 Nicky Milne (Ireland).

Tries: Millard, Appleby, Kennedy (2),
Conversions: Andrew (2)
Penalties:

Half-time score: England A 8 Nomads 19

Referee: Claire Hodnett

by Julia Hutton

Watch England Women live on the web

247.tv has all of the games for you to download and watch

England Women’s rugby team do Sport Relief

The England Women’s rugby team will be doing their bit for charity this weekend when they run the Sport Relief Mile.

The reigning champions, who hope to secure an unprecedented third consecutive RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam on Saturday when they play Ireland at London Irish ARFC, Sunbury, kick-off 445pm, will have little time-off after the match before running the Sport Relief Mile on Sunday at London’s Victoria Embankment.

After a long, hard and physical five weeks of Six Nations action, which has seen the girls so far see off challenges from Wales, Italy, France and Scotland, the girls will have to pick themselves up for one final hurdle.

England Women’s captain and Worcester No. 8 Catherine Spencer said: “I think that the Sport Relief charity is fantastic as it reaches out and helps so many groups and individuals. The Mile also means that many people can contribute to the charity. It will be a great day when people from many different backgrounds, sporting and non-sporting, can come together for one cause.

"I know that the England team are really looking forward to joining in with the Sport Relief Mile; as sportswomen it is a charity that we fully support. We’ll have played a full international match on Saturday so it will be tough to drag our bodies round the course on Sunday but I am sure that the atmosphere on the day will spur us on.”

by Julia Hutton

Grand Slam beckons

England Women are still on course for a record breaking third straight Grand Slam. That would be made all the better by people making their way to Sunbury to support the girls this coming Saturday. If you want to see and England team that run the ball then come along to

London Irish RFC
The Avenue
Sunbury-on-Thames
Middlesex TW16 5EQ

England A kick off at 3:00pm

followed by England versus Ireland kick-off 4:45pm