Big Up to Beanie

Big up to Charlotte Barras for her recent captaincy of the England team in Canada. The hard running line breaking fullback/wing led her country to victory recently against France in the Nations Cup in Canada. Hats of to Beanie!!!!!! And I definitely said light legs not white legs!!!!!!!

England Women clinch Nations Cup by Julia Hutton

England 25 South Africa 0

England Women were crowned Nations Cup champions last night (Wednesday) after a bonus point victory against South Africa in the third round on the round-robin tournament in Toronto.

The Red Roses, who are also the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions, clinched the title for the second year on the bounce despite a slightly mediocre performance against the Springboks. And with Canada losing 15-10 to the USA last night also, England now have an unassailable lead going into the final round on Saturday against hosts Canada.

England had to work hard for the win and failed to put a point on the board until the 30th minute of the game. It was South Africa that started the game brightly, putting pressure on England and pinning them into their own half. The Springboks were the first to create opportunities but with England defending well they prevented them from scoring also. And with South Africa missing an early penalty England slowly clawed their way back into the game.

Worcester wing Kat Merchant, who scored a hat-trick of tries in England’s victory over France, broke England’s duck on 34 minutes when some good clean ball from a line-out saw the ball moved out to the mid-field. A good drive then saw the ball recycled out to the backs and with Saracens’ Charlotte Barras executing a good pass she put Merchant into space for an easy finish. Richmond’s Alice Richardson successfully struck the conversion and then a penalty moments later to hand England a 10-0 lead at half-time.

The second-half was, however, a different story for England and they dominated rarely letting South Africa out of their half. With 45 minutes gone on the clock, vice-captain Barras added England’s second try. It was Saracens’ Claire Allan who made the break, followed by some excellent work by the pack. The ball was then popped out to the backs who moved the ball down the line quickly to create space for Barras to dive over in the corner.

A lightning break down the right wing by Merchant and then a clever chip up field then saw Saracens’ Rachael Burford collect and score her first try of the tournament handing England a 20-0 lead.

The Springboks continued to cause England problems, and although they couldn’t cross the line, England continued to make some basic errors leaving them having to wait until the 80th minute of the game to wrap up the victory and the tournament win with full back Barras pouncing on the ball and sprinting past the Boks’ last line of defence to score.

England Head Coach Gary Street: “I'm disappointed with the number of unforced errors we made during the game. This made it difficult for us but full credit must go to South Africa who took the game to us especially in the first half.

“We are delighted that we have won the tournament for the second year, and to do it away from home too against some very competitive competition. It has given us a very useful insight into where we are ahead of a World Cup year, but there is still one game to go and we must improve on this performance against Canada on Saturday and come back stronger.”

England Captain Catherine Spencer added: “South Africa were very tough physical opponents and we had to dig deep for our 25 points. We didn’t play our best game and made too many basic errors. Having said that we have played some very good rugby over our last three games and we have won the Nations Cup.”

England

15 Charlotte Barras (VC) (Saracens), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 12 Rachael Burford (Saracens), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 10 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 9 Georgina Rozario (Plymouth Albion) 1 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 2 Olivia Poore (Lichfield), 3 Katy Storie (Team Northumbria), 4 Becky Essex (Richmond) 5 Jo McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Karen Jones(Richmond), 7 Heather Fisher (Wasps), 8 Catherine Spencer C (Bristol). Replacements:16 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 17 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 18 Rochelle Clark (Team Northumbria)), 19 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 20 Amy Turner (Richmond), 21 Danielle Waterman (Team Northumbria), 22 Kim Oliver (Bristol)

Tries: Merchant, Barras (2) Burford
Conversions: Richardson
Penalties: Richardson
Substitutions: Turner for Rozario, Waterman for Pocock (44), Garnett for Poore, Sharples for Fisher (49), Hemming for Storie, Clark for Purdy (59), Oliver for Allan (68).

Nations Cup tournament table

England P3 15pts
USA P3 9pts
Canada P3 7pts
France P3 6pts
South Africa P4 2pts

Win: 4pts, Draw: 2pts, Bonus point for scoring four tries or losing by seven points

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto. KO’s all BST

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm WON 36-7
England v France August 13th KO 630pm WON 43-8
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm WON 25-0
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm

England Women’s team announced for penultimate Nations Cup clash by Julia Hutton

England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has named his starting line-up for Wednesday’s penultimate Nations Cup clash against South Africa in Toronto, kick-off 930pm (BST).

Having already beaten the USA and France England go into the game on course to clinch the round robin tournament for a second year on the bounce, and at the same time add to the RBS 6 Nations title they have already won this year.

England captain Catherine Spencer returns to the starting line-up after being rested against France while Saracens’ Charlotte Barras is named as vice-captain and switches to full back. Lichfield’s Olivia Poore, Plymouth Albion’s Georgina Rozario and Saracens’ Rachael Burford also get their first Nations Cup starts of the tournament.

England’s Street said: “We are very looking forward to the next game. It’s going to be great to play against new opposition. South Africa have improved tremendously since the last World Cup and England versus South Africa is always a huge game in world rugby.”

England Captain Spencer added: “We have not played against South Africa since 2006 so we are very much looking forward to running out against them on Wednesday. They are an ever improving side who have some very talented individuals so we need to be clinical in everything that we do. We are playing in increasingly hot conditions here in Canada but I am confident that our fitness and conditioning will help us to overcome this additional challenge.”

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

15 Charlotte Barras (VC) Saracens
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
13 Claire Allan Saracens
12 Rachael Burford Saracens
11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
10 Alice Richardson Richmond
9 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
1 Claire Purdy Wasps
2 Olivia Poore Lichfield
3 Katy Storie Team Northumbria
4 Sarah Beale Lichfield
5 Rebecca Essex Richmond
6 Karen Jones Richmond
7 Heather Fisher Wasps
8 Catherine Spencer C Bristol
Replacements:
16 Amy Garnett Saracens
17 Sophie Hemming Bristol
18 Jo McGilchrist Wasps
19 Gemma Sharples Worcester
20 Amy Turner Richmond
21 Kim Oliver Bristol
22 Danielle Waterman Team Northumbria

Nations Cup tournament table

England P2 10pts
France P3 6pts
Canada P2 6pts
USA P2 5pts
SA P3 2 pts

Win: 4pts, Draw: 2pts, Bonus point for scoring four tries or losing by seven points

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto. KO’s all BST

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm WON 36-7
England v France August 13th KO 630pm WON 43-8
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm

England Women open Nations Cup campaign with six try win by Julia Hutton

England 36 USA 7



England Women began their defence of the Nations Cup last night (Monday) in fine style with a 36-7 victory over the USA in Toronto.

The reigning Nations Cup and RBS 6 Nations champions ran in six tries to clinch the victory, with a powerful second-half outing proving crucial.

Leading just 10-7 at the break, second-half tries from Lichfield’s Sarah Beale and braces from Richmond’s Fiona Pocock and Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt secured the comfortable win. New cap Heather Fisher was also at the heart of England’s attacking platform, helping to set up one of the tries.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “Just as expected, it was a physical challenge from the outset and the USA started brightly. We knew, however, that our conditioning would take over and eventually our superior skill set showed and we dominated the second half in territory and possession. It was a good start overall, and we’re really looking forward to playing France on Thursday when we can test ourselves again.”

England Captain Catherine Spencer added: “We have made a fantastic start to this tournament but it’s important for us to build on this momentum for our next test against France. Heather Fisher played extremely well in her first cap, putting pressure on the Americans at every opportunity. She made a fantastic impact on the game and it was a pleasure to play alongside her in the back row.”

The USA made an impressive start to the clash, opening the score-sheet after just eight minutes when they intercepted England’s ball. Saracens’ Charlotte Barras showed good speed to try and stop the USA but the Americans held firm and wing Amy Daniels went over. With Stephanie Bruce adding the conversion the USA led 7-0 after eight minutes.

The tourists immediately hit back and stole a line-out ball to gain the advantage. The ball was then passed out-wide through Scarratt and Saracens’ Amy Garnett. Garnett showed great footwork and skill to draw her defender in before offloading to a full stretched Jo McGilchrist, who used her height to stretch over and score.

Katy McLean couldn’t kick the conversion, but England crucially took a morale boosting 10-7 into the break when Scarratt broke a tackle before off-loading to Richardson. Richardson then set-up Pocock with a great pass for the young wing to score in the corner.

England upped the momentum after the restart when prop Rochelle Clark cut a good line from a McLean pass. Clark was pulled up just short of the line, but Beale was following in support and she showed superb strength to score just left of the posts. McLean converted on 47 minutes to hand England a 17-7 lead.

In open play Richardson got the ball out to Fisher, who cut a good line, to get round her defender and set-up Scarratt, who showed great strength to score under the posts for England’s fourth try. McLean again converted.

With just minutes to go before the final whistle England were as determined as ever to put more points on the board and they did just that with Pocock and Scarratt adding another two tries in four minutes.

After a good scrum, England’s pack drove forward with tremendous strength. The ball was then recycled out to the backline. Scarratt was tackled just short of the line but Pocock was in support and scored, handing her a personal tally of ten tries in ten games.

Scarratt then added her second try when a well executed move opened up a gap in the defence for the Lichfield youngster to run in with ease. For Scarratt this was her 11th try in ten games. With McLean adding her third conversion England took the 36-7 victory.

England

15 Charlotte Barras (Saracens), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 13 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), 12 Alice Richardson (Richmond), 11 Fiona Pocock (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks) VC, 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 1 Rochelle Clark (Team Northumbria), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol Rugby), 4 Sarah Beale (Lichfield), 5 Jo McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Karen Jones (Richmond), 7 Heather Fisher (Wasps), 8 Catherine Spencer (Bristol Rugby) Captain. Replacements: 16 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 17 Katy Storie (Team Northumbria), 18 Becky Essex (Richmond), 19 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 20 Georgina Rozario (Plymouth Albion), 21 Danielle Waterman (Team Northumbria), 22 Kim Oliver (Bristol Rugby)

Tries: McGilchrist, Pocock (2), Beale, Scarratt (2),
Conversions: McLean (3)
Substitutions: Waterman for Barras (53), Essex for McGilchrist (53), Storie for Hemming (62), Purdy for Garnett (62), Oliver for Richardson (62)

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto. KO’s all BST

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm WON 36-7
England v France August 13th KO 630pm
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm

England Women’s team announced for France clash by Julia Hutton

England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has made ten changes to his starting line-up for Thursday’s Nations Cup clash against France, kick-off 930pm BST in Toronto.

Saracens’ Charlotte Barras has been handed the captaincy armband with Bristol’s Catherine Spencer being rested. Barras also moves from fullback to the wing in place of Richmond’s Fiona Pocock. Team Northumbria’s Danielle Waterman comes in at fullback.

England head into the match with confidence after a comfortable 36-7 victory over the USA on Monday. France, meanwhile, managed to secure a 17-17 draw against South Africa in the opening round of the tournament.

Street said: “This is a four match tournament played over a short period of time so it’s important to keep the squad fresh and to give all the players their chance.

“As we know from the RBS 6 Nations France are always tough opposition. They have announced a much stronger team for this match compared to the team that drew against South Africa so we are definitely expecting another physical clash. However, we have confidence in our preparations and know that if we are on top of our game we’ll be a match for anyone.”

You can watch all the Nations Cup games on http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-rugby

England

15 Danielle Waterman Team Northumbria
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
13 Claire Allan Saracens
12 Kim Oliver Bristol Rugby
11 Charlotte Barras Saracens Captain
10 Katy Mclean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
9 Amy Turner Richmond
1 Claire Purdy Wasps
2 Amy Garnett Saracens
3 Katy Storie Team Northumbria
4 Rebecca Essex Richmond
5 Jo McGilchrist Wasps
6 Sarah Hunter Lichfield
7 Gemma Sharples Worcester
8 Karen Jones Richmond
Replacements:
16 Sophie Hemming Bristol
17 Rochelle Clark Team Northumbria
18 Sarah Beale Lichfield
19 Heather Fisher Wasps
20 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
21 Alice Richardson Richmond
22 Emily Scarratt Lichfield

Nations Cup Table

England 5
France 2
South Africa 2
USA 0
Canada 0 (still to play a game)

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto. KO’s all BST

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm WON 36-7
England v France August 13th KO 630pm
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm

England Women power to comfortable Nations Cup victory by Julia Hutton

England 43 France 8



Home Nations rivals France proved little competition for England as they powered to a 43-8 victory in the second round of the Nations Cup last night (Thursday) in Toronto.

Worcester wing Katherine Merchant was a major player putting a hat-trick of tries on the scoreboard while Team Northumbria’s Danielle Waterman also added a brace. There were also tries for replacements Emily Scarratt and Alice Richardson.

France, however, like the USA were the first to break the opposition’s line and through turning over a scrum close to England’s line, they made a break through the backs and scored in the corner through Emile Moreaux.

But England soon bounced back and after 16 minutes fullback Waterman opened England’s account after a great clearing pass from Saracens hooker Amy Garnett. Some clever lines from the English backs then saw Waterman power through to score under the posts to draw the score level at 5-5.

England went 8-5 behind on 21 minutes when Christelle Leduff converted a penalty but that was where France’s charge ended.

Just before half-time Merchant ran in for the first of her three tries with a great booming hand off and storming 40 metre run which fly-half Katy McLean converted.

France were slow to react to a quick England lineout and then some excellent interplay between the forwards and backs saw Merchant finish off the move. With McLean converting, England led 19-8 at half-time.

After the restart England’s dominance continued. Following a well executed lineout, a scintillating backs move ended with Merchant coming off her wing to claim her hat-trick.

A quick tap penalty from Richmond No. 8 Karen Jones and a great clearing pass from Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter then saw Waterman scorching through the midfield and finding Richardson in great support for try number five.

The 65th minute saw a powerful England scrum and a blindside attack once again finished off by Waterman and converted by McLean, before Scarratt and Waterman finished off proceedings for England.

Graham Smith, England’s Forwards Coach, said, “We're still making too many basic errors but we are only two games into our season. It was a fantastic result and we know we can continue to improve throughout the tournament.”

Hat trick hero Merchant added: “Although it's nice to score a hat trick, I was in the right place at the right time. It was a great team performance and I am really looking forward to our next test against South Africa on August 19th.”

You can watch all the Nations Cup games on http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-rugby

England

15 Danielle Waterman (Team Northumbria), 14 Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 13 Claire Allan (Saracens), 12 Kim Oliver(Bristol Rugby), 11 Charlotte Barras (Saracens) Captain, 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 9 Amy Turner (Richmond), 1 Claire Purdy (Wasps), 2 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 3 Katy Storie (Team Northumbria), 4 Rebecca Essex (Richmond), 5 Jo McGilchrist (Wasps), 6 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield), 7 Gemma Sharples (Worcester), 8 Karen Jones (Richmond). Replacements: 16 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 17 Rochelle Clark (Team Northumbria), 18
Sarah Beale (Lichfield), 19 Heather Fisher (Wasps), 20 Georgina Rozario (Plymouth Albion), 21 Alice Richardson ( Richmond), 22 Emily Scarratt (Lichfield)

Tries: Merchant (3), Waterman (2), Richardson, Scarratt.
Conversions: McLean (8)
Replacements: Beale for McGilchrist (52), Richardson for Oliver (56), Scarratt for Allan (56), Hemming for Garnett (62), Fisher for Sharples (62), Roazrio for Turner (62), Clark for Storie (62)

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto. KO’s all BST

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm WON 36-7
England v France August 13th KO 630pm WON 43-8
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm

England Women U20s crowned Nations Cup champions by Julia Hutton

England 110 USA 0

England Women Under 20s ran in a cricket score victory against the USA today (Saturday), scoring 18 tries to lift the Nations Cup crown at Brunel University.

Worcester’s Sam Bree showed her speed and skill to run in an impressive six tries, handing her a total of 11 tries throughout the tournament while Nicola Hoole, Sarah McKenna and Rose Fong also grabbed a brace of tries each. Leeds fly half Claire Garner also had a great afternoon with the boot stroking over ten conversions.

England Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “I am so proud of the girls and the way they have played throughout this tournament. They have trained hard and they set themselves a target of not being complacent against the USA having already beaten them last week in the pool games. They certainly weren’t complacent.

“The players moved the ball around extremely well today, they kept the ball alive and delivered everything that was asked of them. Sam Bree scored six tries, outstripping the defence, but it was the pace of the whole team throughout this tournament that kept us moving forward all the time.

“It’s wonderful to have won the Nations Cup, and to do it for a second successive year is very special for every member of this Under 20s squad.”

Bree set the tone of the game with England’s opening try after just four minutes. An excellent line-out ball and some quick hands through the mid-field saw Bath centre Natasha Hunt make a good break. Bree then took the ball on and showed her pace to outstrip America’s defence and score under the posts. Garner converted.

Bath’s Hoole touched down for the first of her two tries after 13 minutes, closely followed by McKenna’s 15th minute effort which saw her take an intercept ball and run in from ten metres out. Again Garner converted to hand England a 21-0 lead.

Bree’s second and third tries came in quick succession on 18 and 21 minutes before Hoole claimed her brace when skipper Marlie Packer took some good line-out ball and then Hoole drove over the line. With Harriet Mills adding a 37th minute try England led 43-0 at the break.

The one way traffic continued after the restart with the USA unable to find a response to England’s dominance. This time Lizell Heather crossed after just one minute, before Fong added the first of her two tries with Mills providing the crucial pass.

McKenna added a good individual try on 47 minutes to take England into a comfortable 60-0 lead, with Hunt then immediately scoring after the restart from the back of a ruck.

Richmond prop Vicky Cornborough scored after a good break by England in the mid-field when she was in support, before Bree then found herself back in the thick of the scoring action with a 65th minute try.

With just ten minutes remaining England’s pressure remained relentless and they were again rewarded for their efforts with Charlotte Wild, Bree (2), Fong and Garnet Mackinder all touching down, leaving England to celebrate their impressive 110-0 victory.

In the third and fourth place play-offs Canada were victorious over Wales with a hard fought 12-10 victory.

England:

15 LIZELL HEATHER (KETTERING), 14 NATASHA HUNT (BATH), 13 ROSE FONG (DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK SHARKS), 12 SARAH MCKENNA (OLD ALBANIAN SAINTS), 11 SAM BREE (WORCESTER), 10 CLAIRE GARNER (LEEDS LEOS), 9 JESSIE FLOWERS (WEST PARK), 1 VICTORIA CORNBOROUGH (RICHMOND), 2 DAVINIA MONTEIRO (BATH), 3 CHARLOTTE MALE (BRISTOL), 4 JULIET SHORT (DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK SHARKS), 5 HARRIET MILLS (MANCHESTER), 6 MARLIE PACKER © (BATH), 7 HANNAH FIELD (READING), 8 NICOLA HOOLE (BATH). REPLACEMENTS: 16 ELIZABETH PEAK (OAKMEDIANS), 17 VICTORIA FLEETWOOD (LICHFIELD), 18 CHARLOTTE WILD (LEEDS MET UNI), 19 AMY MILLAR (READING), 20 HANNAH WALKER-SMART (PAVIORS), 21 GEMMA ROWLAND (EXETER UNIVERSITY), 22 GARNET MACKINDER (EXETER SARACENS)


Tries: Bree (6), Hoole (2), McKenna (2), Mills, Heather, Fong (2), Hunt, Cornborough, Wild, Mackinder
Conversions: Garner (10)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Wild for Field (blood, 11), Field for Wild (blood reverse 16), Peak for Male (blood, 27), Male for Peak (blood reverse, 27), Peak for Male (44), Wild for Short (44), Fleetwood for Monterio (44), McKinder for Heather (52), Millar for Mills (52), Walker-Smart for Flowers (58), Rowland for McKenna (58).

Half time score: England 43 USA 0

Referee: Sarah Corrigan (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Rebecca Patrick & Hannah Everitt


Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales 3 USA 7
Canada 0 England 47

July 12th

Canada 11 Wales 16
England 42. USA 7

July 15th
Canada 20 USA 38
England 29 Wales 3

July 18th

Consolation Finals, Wales 10 Canada 12
Final: England 110 USA 0

England Women through to U20s Nations Cup Final by Julia Hutton

England 29 Wales 3

England Women booked their place in the final of the Under 20s Nations Cup on Saturday with a hard earned 29-3 victory against Wales at Brunel University tonight (Wednesday).

The victory gives the host nation the favourites tag ahead of the Saturday’s showdown where they’ll meet the USA after their impressive revival against Canada tonight, running in 38-20 winners.

England U20s Head Coach Giselle Mather, whose side have also beaten Canada 47-0 and the USA 42-7, said: “I’m very proud of the players’ performance in what was a typical England versus Wales clash. It was a physical and intense clash and I am especially delighted that we got another bonus point.

“There were some outstanding performances on the pitch tonight, noticeably Nicola Hoole who provided quick ball and was going forward all the time providing a great platform for us to attack on. Rose Fong was a constant threat and caused the Welsh defence numerous problems, whilst Hannah Field was outstanding in the line-outs.

“All three of our games throughout this tournament have been very different but I am very happy with the way the team has performed and we’re now really looking forward to the final. The USA had a tremendous game against Canada tonight.”

England set down their marker early on with Lichfield’s Vicky Fleetwood easing the home side into a 5-0 lead after just 11 minutes. After some good continuity play, the hooker took the ball from the ruck and ran in from five metres out. Leeds fly-half Claire Garner converted.

With Wales’ defence holding firm throughout most of the first-half and England having to work hard in wet conditions the Red Roses had to wait until the 39th minute for their next score which came courtesy of Garner who stroked over a penalty, handing England a 10-0 lead at the break.

Darlington Mowden Park’s centre Rose Fong made an immediate impact after the restart with a great individual effort which saw her make a good break thanks to Hoole turning over the ball in the midfield. Fong ran in with ease, and with Garner converting England then found themselves with a comfortable 17-0 lead.

Garner then added her own converted try, bringing her personal tally to 14 points for the evening, after England wore down Wales’ hardened defence with some sustained pressure.

Wales managed to claw back a penalty as full time drew nearer with scrum-half Yasmin Leung kicking the points, but England confirmed their dominance with their final try in extra time, which this time saw Worcester wing Sam Bree touching down.

England

15 Natasha Hunt (Bath), 14 Garnet MacKinder (Exeter Saracens RFC), 13 Rose Fong (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks RFC), 12 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanian Saints RFC), 11 Samantha Bree (Worcester RFC), 10 Claire Garner (Leeds Leos), 9 Jessie-Joy Flowers (West Park RFC), 1 Victoria Cornborough (Richmond RFC), 2 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield RFC), 3 Charlotte Male (Plymouth Albion RFC), 4 Charlotte Wild (Leeds Met Uni), 5 Harriet Mills (Manchester RFC), 6 Marlie Packer (Bath RFC) Captain, 7 Hannah Field (Reading RFC), 8 Nicola Hoole (Bath RFC). Replacements: 16 Elizabeth Peak (Oakmedians RFC), 17 Sasha Acheson (Sudbury RFC), 18 Davinia Monterio (Bath RFC), 19 Amy Millar (Reading RFC), 20 Hannah Walker-Smart (Paviors RFC), 21 Gemma Rowland (Exeter University), 22 Kimberly Davey (Richmond)

Tries: Fleetwood, Fong, Garner, Bree
Conversions: Garner (3)
Penalties: Garner
Substitutions: Peak for Cornborough (61), Davey for Hunt (63), Millar for Mills (64), Acheson for Male (70), Monterio for Fleetwood (78),Rowland for McKenna (78), Walker-Smart for Flowers (78)

Wales:

15 Kerin Lake (Neath Athletic), 14 Charlie Murray (Neath Athletic), 13 Levi Hallett (Pontyclun), 12 Adi Taviner (Neath Athletic), 11 Paris Nicholas (Cardiff Quins), 10 Elinor Snowsill (Cardiff Quins), 9 Yasmin Leung (Caernarfon), 1 Alex Stokes ( Neath Athletic), 2 Lowri Harries (UWIC), 3 Amy Lawrence (Neath Athletic), 4 Sian Williams (Neath Athletic), 5 Shona Powell-Hughes (Neath Athletic), 6 Sioned Harries (UWIC), 7 Kathryn Joseph (Neath Athletic), 8 Vicky Owens (UWIC). Replacements: 16 Sophie Mangano (Carmarthan), 17 Lorna Compton (Newport), 18 Sian Williams (Caernarfon), 19 Carys Thomas (Pontyclun), 20 Rosie Hutton (Whitland), 21 Katie Bevan (Pontyclun), 22 Rhianydd Morgan (Neath Athletic)

Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties: Leung

Half-time score: England 29 Wales 3

Referee: Eugenia Daniels (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Andrea Ttofa & Daisy Martinelli


Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales 3 USA 7
Canada 0 England 47

July 12th

Canada 11 Wales 16
England 42. USA 7

July 15th
Canada 20 USA 38
England 29 Wales 3

July 18th

Consolation Finals, 130pm
Final, 330pm

England Women’s U20s team announced for Wales Nations Cup clash by Julia Hutton

England Women Under 20s Head Coach Giselle Mather has announced her team for the penultimate round of the Nations Cup, which sees the Red Roses take on Wales at Brunel University on Wednesday, kick off 7pm.

Mather has once again made a raft of changes, giving her entire Nations Cup squad the chance to impress ahead of Saturday’s final or play-offs. Only three players; Kettering’s Lizell Heather, Leeds’ Charlotte Wild and Bath’s Marlie Packer start their second game in succession.

England so far have an impressive clean sheet in the tournament beating Canada 47-0 in the tournament opener and then the USA 42-7 on Sunday. Wales meanwhile have one win under their belt against Canada.

England last met Wales in April and ran out 26-8 winners in Cowlyn Bay but Mather is expecting a much tougher test this time around. She said: “When Wales beat Canada on Sunday they played really well so we are taking this match very seriously.

“We may have beaten Wales earlier this season, but we also remember how well Wales played against us in the final of the Nations Cup a year ago. We won that match 14-0 but it could easily have gone the other way so I know this will be a very tough match and nothing like the game we played in Cowlyn Bay. This is a big game, and with so much at stake for both sides we have to be on top of our game.”

Also in action on Wednesday is Canada versus the USA, kick off 5pm.

England:

15 Natasha Hunt Bath
14 Lizell Heather Kettering
13 Rose Fong Darlington Mowden Park Sharks RFC
12 Sarah McKenna Old Albanian Saints RFC
11 Garnet MacKinder Exeter Saracens RFC
10 Claire Garner Leeds Leos RFC
9 Jessie-Joy Flowers West Park RFC
1 Sasha Acheson Sudbury RFC
2 Victoria Fleetwood Lichfield RFC
3 Charlotte Male Plymouth Albion RFC
4 Harriet Mills Manchester RFC
5 Charlotte Wild Leeds Met Uni
6 Marlie Packer Bath RFC Captain
7 Hannah Field Reading RFC
8 Nicola Hoole Bath RFC
Replacements:
16 Victoria Cornborough Richmond RFC
17 Elizabeth Peak Oakmedians RFC
18 Davinia Monterio Bath RFC
19 Amy Miller Reading RFC
20 Hannah Walker-Smart Paviors RFC
21 Kimberley Davey Richmond RFC
22 Samantha Bree Worcester RFC

Nations Cup Under 20s Table:

England 10
Wales 5
USA 4
Canada 1

Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales 3 USA 7
Canada 0 England 47

July 12th

Canada 11 Wales 16
England 42. USA 7

July 15th
Canada vs. USA, 5pm
England vs. Wales, 7pm

July 18th

Consolation Finals, 130pm
Final, 330pm

First ever Twickenham Double Header for England Rugby’s Men & Women by Julia Hutton

When England Women play the reigning World Champions New Zealand on November 21st as part of their build up to next season’s 6 Nations and Women’s Rugby World Cup, they will do it on the hallowed turf of Twickenham Stadium and on the same day that England men take on the All Blacks.

For the first time ever both England’s men and women’s teams will compete in an Investec Challenge Double Header, giving fans from both sides of the world the chance to witness some of the game’s best male and female rugby players at one sporting venue.

For England Women the match is one of their most important fixtures since their 2006 IRB Rugby World Cup Final. Then they were defeated 25-17 by the New Zealanders in a thrilling final.

The clash also has extra importance as the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup is just around the corner. Hosted by England in London in August and September next year the home side will be hoping to go one better and lay their hands on world rugby’s ultimate prize.

England Women, who also play New Zealand on November 14th and 17th (venues to be confirmed) head into the clash having dominated European rugby for the last four years, winning the RBS 6 Nations an unprecedented four consecutive times.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “The opportunity to play at Twickenham Stadium in a double header with England men will be a fantastic showpiece for women’s rugby and a chance to show the wider rugby audience what world class women’s rugby is all about.

“We’re all very excited about playing New Zealand, especially as it will be our first game against them since the last World Cup. It will be a real bench mark for us as we look ahead to next year’s World Cup.”

RFUW Managing Director Rosie Williams added: “This is another very exciting development for the women’s game in England. We have seen in Cricket how a successful Women’s World Cup campaign can add to the men’s game rather than compete with it and we are looking to make a similar statement in Rugby. Playing the current World Champions at the home of English Rugby and being supported by one of the leading commercial sponsors of the game is not only a fantastic opportunity for the players but also for the profile of the game.

“Women’s rugby will have a very high profile over the next 14 months, culminating in the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup being held in London. Women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing parts of the game in England and with this growth in popularity we hope to be able to attract commercial supporters like Investec to invest in the game over the long term.”

Investec Brand Manager Jennifer Whiteford added: “We are very pleased to extend our sponsorship of rugby this year to include the RFUW. We hope the first women’s Investec Challenge match will give us a dynamic and exciting rugby performance.”

ends….

Note to editors:

Kick off times to be advised.

Investec Sponsors the Investec Challenge Series of England Autumn internationals, which this year includes the England Women v New Zealand match. Investec’s association with rugby includes the Investec Tri-Nations in New Zealand, The Investec Super 14 in Australia and the Investec International Rugby Academy in South Africa.

England Women crowned European 7s champions by Julia Hutton

IRB Women’s World Cup Plate Champions England today (Sunday) added the European 7s crown to their bulging silverware cabinet, beating Spain 20-12 in the final in Hanover, Germany.

England’s last game was a thrilling contest with the Red Roses down to five players at one point during the 20-minute match. And after going 10-12 down in the second-half they came back out firing with Saracens’ Claire Allan and Wasps’ Heather Fisher touching down for two vital tries.

For Allan it was her second try in the final after she opened England’s account closely followed by Amber Penrith.

England booked their place in the final after a dominant 44-0 victory over host side Germany, which saw them score eight tries, with Rachael Burford and Abi Chamberlain also adding conversions.

On route to the knock-out stages England touched down for 15 tries and conceded just one try when they took on France, Spain, Portugal and Sweden in the pool games.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “The squad showed incredible determination today to come back from being two players down. The guts, courage and honour these players have is incredible especially after a long training period. We are delighted to have won the European 7s and to do so in such style is very impressive.”

England 7s are coached by former England international Susie Appleby and Barry Maddocks, RFUW Club and Coach Officer.

Final

England 20 Spain 12

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Allan (2), Penrith, Fisher
Conversions:

Semi finals

England 44 Germany 0

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Burford, Turner, Allan (2), Leonard (2), Moulding, Guest
Conversions: Burford, Chamberlain

Pool games:

England 32 Portugal 0

Squad: Fisher, Moulding, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Penrith, Moulding 2, Allan, Burford, Leonard
Conversions: Chamberlain

England 7 Sweden 0:

Squad: Fisher, Moulding, Green, Guest, Chamberlain, Burford, Penrith
Tries: Allan
Conversions: Chamberlain

England 24 Spain 0:

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Penrith (3), Allan,
Conversions: Burford, Chamberlain

England 22 France 5:

Squad: Green, Fisher, Leonard, Turner, Burford, Allan, Penrith
Tries: Penrith, Burford (2), Allan
Conversions: Burford.

England 7s squad

Claire Allan Saracens
Rachael Burford Saracens
Abi Chamberlain Worcester
Heather Fisher Wasps
Sonia Green Saracens
Sarah Guest Worcester
Jane Leonard Wasps
Lois Moulding Lichfield
Amber Penrith Cardiff Quins
Amy Turner Richmond

England Women U20s run in eight tries in USA victory by Julia Hutton

England U20s 40 USA U20s 7

England Women Under 20s are still on track to retain their Nations Cup crown after another convincing win today (Sunday), this time against the USA at Brunel University.

The England young guns ran in eight tries in a very physical game. Both sides showed immense commitment throughout the match and although England created a number of opportunities the USA never gave up, most noticeably when they touched down for a 70th minute try.

England, however, set the tone of the match very early on with some good continuity play, and with both the backs and the forwards making inroads through the USA’s defence, a pick up from the back of a ruck saw Leeds lock Charlotte Wild dive over the line after just eight minutes.

Centre Alex Cook, who came in as a late change for England, handed England a comfortable 10-0 lead after nearly as many minutes when some good running by Gemma Rowland in the mid-field created space for Cook to score.

Worcester wing Sam Bree, who scored a hat-trick of tries in England’s Nations Cup opener against Canada, was back on the score sheet again after 16 minutes. After some good work at the break-down by Hannah Walker Smart the ball was recycled out to the backs and then passed out-wide to Bree who ran in from 22 metres out.

With the USA losing lock Brittany Rose to the sin bin for a high tackle England created a 20-0 lead at the break with prop Vicky Cornborough battling her way through the US’s defence to score.

The one way traffic continued after the restart, this time with captain Marlie Packer leading by example. The Bath flanker took the ball from a good line-out to drive over the line, while some more excellent work by the forwards saw replacement Natasha Hunt also run in for a try from 22 metres out.

A 50th minute score by Kim Davey saw England claim their seventh try of the afternoon before Lizell Heather claimed the home side’s final touch down on 64 minutes. This time some good turn over ball saw Reading’s Hannah Field pick up and get the ball out to Heather. The winger still had some work to do but she beat the US defence to run in and score.

The USA never gave up though and finally they were able to get some points on the board in the dying minutes of the match. They battered England’s defence and finally Rose picked up from the back of a ruck to dive over the line. Catherine Parkhill converted to make the final score 40-7.

England U20s Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “Several players were making their first starts for England today and I was thrilled with the way they stepped up. At the start we struggled to cope with the USA’s blitz defence but we got to grips with it and started to apply the pressure, enabling us to get some good continuity together.

“To score eight tries is always a great achievement but I am especially pleased with the way the team reorganised themselves after some late changes. With Wales beating Canada today, that certainly makes for an exciting fixture against Wales on Wednesday.”

England:

15 Kimberley Davey (Richmond), 14 Lizell Heather (Kettering), 13 Alex Cook (Bath), 12 Gemma Rowland (Exeter University), 11 Samantha Bree (Worcester), 10 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanian Saints) Vice Captain, 9 Hannah Walker-Smart (Paviors), 1 Victoria Cornborough (Richmond), 2 Davinia Monteiro (Bath), 3 Elizabeth Peak (Oakmedians), 4 Amy Millar (Reading), 5 Charlotte Wild (Leeds Met Uni), 6 Juliet Short (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 7 Marlie Packer (Bath) Captain, 8 Harriet Mills (Manchester). Replacements: 16 Charlotte Male (Plymouth Albion), 17 Sasha Acheson (Sudbury), 18 Nicola Hoole (Bath), 19 Hannah Field (Reading), 20 Jessie-Joy Flowers (West Park), 21 Claire Garner (Leeds Leos), 22 Natasha Hunt (Bath)

Tries: Wild, Cook, Bree, Cornborough, Packer, Hunt, Davey, Heather
Conversions:
Penalties:
Substitutions: Hunt for Cook (20), Field for Packer (55), Acheson for Cornborough (55), Hoole for Mills (58), Garner for McKenna (60), Male for Millar (60), Flowers for Walker-Smart (60)

USA:

15 Sadie Anderson, 14 Tyra McGrady, 13 Brooke LeGate, 12 Lisa Henneman, 11 Asia Donaldson, 10 Amelia Villines, 9 Brittany Houston, 1 Katherine Hathaway, 2 Brittany Woodard, 3 Mallory Ives, 4 Rebecca Holmes, 5 Brittany Rose, 6 Erin LeGate, 7 Jozephine Gessner, 8 Candace Barley. Replacements: 16 Erika Lane, 17 Wendy Sherman, 18 Rachel Sommer, 19 Catherine Parkhill, 20 Erica Cavanaugh, 21 Kathryn Johnson, 22 Jessica Sexauer.

Tries: Rose
Conversions: Parkhill
Penalties:

Referee: Sherry Trumbull (Canada)
Assistant Referees: Natalie Amor & Christine Goldfinch

Half-time score: England 20 USA 0

Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales vs. USA 5pm
Canada vs. England 7pm

July 12th

Canada vs. Wales, 130pm
England vs. USA, 330pm

July 15th
Canada vs. USA, 5pm
England vs. Wales, 7pm

July 18th

Consolation Finals, 130pm
Final, 330pm

England Women make changes for USA Under 20s Nations Cup clash by Julia Hutton

England Women Under 20s Head Coach Giselle Mather has made eight changes, four of which positional, to her starting line-up for Sunday’s Nations Cup clash against the USA, kick off 330pm at Brunel University.

With four games over nine days in this tournament Mather is keen to give all 26 squad members their chance.

England head into the second game of the Nations Cup is confident spirits after an impressive 47-0 victory over the USA on Thursday, which saw them run in seven tries. The USA meanwhile also have a win under their belts defeating Wales 7-3.

Mather said: “This is a gruelling tournament with a game every three days so it’s vital that everyone gets their chance. Either way though I firmly believe this is a squad of 26 players and each and everyone one of them is vital to our success.

“Certainly the USA are going to be a tough proposition. They showed against Wales that they have a powerful scrum, are very athletic and are strong in the tackle. However, if we can carry our form from the Canada game into this match I think we can feel confident.”

Wales are also in action against Canada on Sunday, kick off 130pm at Brunel University.

England:

15 Kimberley Davey Richmond
14 Lizell Heather Kettering
13 Alex Cook Bath
12 Gemma Rowland Exeter University
11 Samantha Bree Worcester
10 Sarah McKenna OA Saints Vice Captain
9 Hannah Walker-Smart Paviors
1 Victoria Cornborough Richmond
2 Davinia Monteiro Bath
3 Elizabeth Peak Oakmedians
4 Amy Millar Reading
5 Charlotte Wild Leeds Met Uni
6 Juliet Short Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
7 Marlie Packer Bath Captain
8 Harriet Mills Manchester
Replacements:
16 Charlotte Male Plymouth Albion
17 Sasha Acheson Sudbury
18 Nicola Hoole Bath
19 Hannah Field Reading
20 Jessie-Joy Flowers West Park
21 Claire Garner Leeds Leos
22 Natasha Hunt Bath

Nations Cup Under 20s Table:

England 5
USA 4
Wales 1
Canada 0

Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales 3 USA 7
Canada 0 England 47

July 12th

Canada vs. Wales, 130pm
England vs. USA, 330pm

July 15th
Canada vs. USA, 5pm
England vs. Wales, 7pm

July 18th

Consolation Finals, 130pm
Final, 330pm

England Women U20s open Nations Cup campaign in style by Julia Hutton

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England Women U20s open Nations Cup campaign in style
by Julia Hutton


England try scorer Sam Bree’


July 9th, 2009



England U20s 47 Canada U20s 0



England Women Under 20s opened their defence of the Nations Cup tonight (Thursday) with an impressive display against Canada, powering to a 47-0 victory at Brunel University.

Worcester winger Sam Bree was at the heart of England’s win, running in a hat-trick of tries for the young guns while captain Marlie Packer, Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ Rose Fong, Kettering’s Lizell Heather and Manchester’s Harriet Mills also touched down for tries. With the USA only edging a 7-3 victory over Wales tonight England go into their next fixture against America on Sunday on a confident footing.

England U20s Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “I’m thrilled with this performance and how the players stepped up to the challenge. This performance was a massive step up from our game against Wales earlier this month. They have taken on to the field everything we have worked on in training. The next three games are certainly an exciting prospect.”

Manchester lock Mills opened the score sheet early on with England showing their power and pace through the midfield. Mils then finished off the move in the left corner with just three minutes gone.

Canada immediately hit back with some concerted pressure and they kept England off the score sheet until the 17th minute. Their efforts, however, came to nothing with England’s defence too strong, and then fly half Claire Garner slotting home a penalty.

Centre Fong edged England into a 13-0 lead after a good break by Natasha Hunt who drove hard through the midfield and got the ball out to Fong on the right wing. Garner added the conversion before a second penalty minutes later.

Bree secured the first of her three tries just before the break when some good pressure by England set her loose and handed the home side a comfortable 23-0 lead at half-time.

Canada’s evening worsened soon after the restart with the sin-binning of No. 8 Tyson Beukeboom and England were quick to capitalise on their one player advantage with Bree running in for her second touch down.

With some fresh legs on the field, the home side were able to keep the momentum going and this time it was skipper Packer on the score-board. The Bath flanker made the most of a charge down to touch down for a try with ease. Garner converted to take England into a 33-0 lead after 54 minutes.

Some more good work by Garner, who got the ball down the blindside to tie up Canada’s defence, then saw Kettering replacement Heather cross for her first try, before Bree finished off England’s convincing victory with her third try of the evening. Garner added the conversion.

England:

15 Natasha Hunt (Bath Rugby), 14 Garnet MacKinder (Exeter Saracens RFC), 13 Rose Fong (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks RFC), 12 Sarah McKenna (Old Albanian Saints RFC), 11 Samantha Bree (Worcester RFC), 10 Claire Garner (Leeds Leos RFC), 9 Jessie-Joy Flowers (West Park RFC), 1 Victoria Cornborough (Richmond RFC), 2 Davinia Monterio (Bath Rugby), 3 Charlotte Male (Plymouth Albion RFC), 4 Harriet Mills (Manchester RFC), 5 Juliet Short (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks RFC), 6 Marlie Packer (Bath Rugby), Captain, 7 Hannah Field (Reading RFC), 8 Nicola Hoole (Bath Rugby), Vice Captain, Replacements: 16 Elizabeth Peak (Oakmedians RFC), 17 Sasha Acheson (Sudbury RFC), 18 Charlotte Wild (Leeds Met Uni), 19 Amy Miller (Reading RFC), 20 Hannah Walker-Smart (Paviors RFC), 21 Alex Cook (Bath Rugby), 22 Lizell Heather (Kettering RFC).

Tries: Mills, Bree (3), Fong, Packer, Heather
Conversions: Garner 3
Penalties: Garner 2
Substitutions: Peak for Cornborough, Miller for Short (50), Walker-Smart for Flowers (52), Acheson for Male, Heather for McKinder Cook for Hunt (58) Wild for Hoole (62).

Canada:

15 Brittany Orr (Lethbridge RFC), 14 Amanda Lalonde (St. Albert Rugby Club), 13 Amanda Thornborough (Brandon Barbarians), 12 Mackenzie Higgs (Aurora Barbarians), 11 Kayla Moleschi (Columneetza Cougars), 10 Beth McNeill (Capilano RFC), 9 Megan Hamm (Abbotsford), 1 Asya Bartley (Barrhaven Scottish), 2 Lauren Tagg (Burnaby Lake), 3 Julie Emmerson (Moncton RFC), 4 Jesse Olynyck (University of Victoria), 5 Jamee George (Brandon Barbs), 6 Jessica Jacobs (Brampton RFC), 7 Jill Maclaren (Ottawa Irish), 8 Tyson Beukeboom (Oshawa Vikings). Replacements: 16 Stacie Becker (St. Albert Rugby Club), 17 Hayley Smith (Red Deer Titans), 18 Kayla Mack (Wild Oats RFC), 19 Alex Hendricks (ethbridge), 20 Lindsay Anderson (Toronto Irish), 21 Radha Jain (York Yeoman), 22 Jenn Skilnick (Wild Oats RFC).

Tries:
Conversions:
Penalties:

Referee: Dana Teagarden (USA)
Assistant Referees: Daisy Martinelli & Jane Pizii

Half-time score: England 23 Canada 0

Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales vs. USA 5pm
Canada vs. England 7pm

July 12th

Canada vs. Wales, 130pm
England vs. USA, 330pm

July 15th
Canada vs. USA, 5pm
England vs. Wales, 7pm

July 18th

Consolation Finals, 130pm
Final, 330pm

England Women’s squad announced for Nations Cup by Julia Hutton

England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has today (Wednesday) named his squad to compete in next month’s Nations Cup in Toronto, Canada.

England head across the Atlantic as reigning Nations Cup champions having completed a clean sweep of wins against Canada and the USA 12 months ago. This time around England will also face South Africa and their Six Nations rivals France.

Wasps’ Heather Fisher is the only uncapped player in the squad having impressed at England’s training camp last week and during England’s 7s World Cup campaign earlier this year.

The Nations Cup is the start of a busy 12 months for England with autumn internationals against reigning world champions New Zealand, their defence of the RBS 6 Nations championship in February and the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London in August and September.

Street said: “This is a really strong squad and it has been hard making the final cut of 26 players? but I believe we will be going to Canada in a very strong position.

“Heather is the only uncapped player and she will add physicality and strength to our game against some physically tough opposition like France and South Africa. We are lucky to have so many talented flankers, like Maggie Alphonsi who’s unavailable through injury and Sonia Green and Jane Leonard. It’s been nice to have these selection dilemmas.

“The Nations Cup is the start of a long and important season for us and all the players know that this is their chance to make their mark for the 12 months ahead. It’s very exciting that South Africa and France have joined the tournament. France are one of the toughest sides we play in the Six Nations while South Africa have really improved as a rugby nation, they have most recently shown that in the 7s. Obviously we want to go to Canada to defend our title, but the important thing is that we concentrate on our game, perform to the best of our abilities and keep on improving.”

England Squad:

Claire Allan Saracens
Charlotte Barras Saracens
Sarah Beale Lichfield
Rachael Burford Saracens
Rochelle Clark Team Northumbria
Rebecca Essex Richmond
Heather Fisher Wasps
Amy Garnett Saracens
Sophie Hemming Bristol
Sarah Hunter Lichfield
Karen Jones Richmond
Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
Katherine Merchant Worcester
Kimberley Oliver Bristol
Fiona Pocock Richmond
Claire Purdy Wasps
Sam Reeve Worcester
Alice Richardson Richmond
Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
Emily Scarratt Lichfield
Gemma Sharples Worcester
Catherine Spencer Bristol
Katy Storie Team Northumbria
Amy Turner Richmond
Danielle Waterman Team Northumbria

England Nations Cup Playing Schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm
England v France August 13th KO 630pm
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm

England Women’s U20s squad announced for Nations Cup opener by Julia Hutton

The England Women’s Under 20s squad to play Canada on Thursday on the opening day of the Nations Cup action at Brunel University, kick off 7pm, has today (Tuesday) been announced.

England will be looking to make a powerful start to their campaign against their North American rivals as the reigning Nations Cup champions. Bath’s Marlie Packer will lead the England young guns with her club and country teammate Nicola Hoole as Vice Captain.

England Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “Although this is a re-run of last year’s final Canada are very much an unknown quantity to us because they have got a new squad. Traditionally Canada have a very good under 20s programme so we are expecting this first fixture to be incredibly tough and physical.

“For us, I am extremely pleased with the progress we have made over the last four days. We are really looking forward to the start of the tournament and with the strong forwards and the pace we have got in our backline we are hoping to play some exciting, fast rugby.

“We are going into this tournament as reigning champions, but for this side this is a clean sheet. We have many new players, and they are eager to create their own little bit of history.”

Also in action on Thursday are Wales versus the USA. England will take on both of those sides over the next 12 days with the finals taking place on July 18th.

England U20s:

15 Natasha Hunt Bath RFC
14 Garnet MacKinder Exeter Saracens RFC
13 Rose Fong Darlington Mowden Park Sharks RFC
12 Sarah McKenna Old Albanian Saints RFC
11 Samantha Bree Worcester RFC
10 Claire Garner Leeds Leos RFC
9 Jessie-Joy Flowers West Park RFC
1 Victoria Cornborough Richmond RFC
2 Davinia Monterio Bath RFC
3 Charlotte Male Plymouth Albion RFC
4 Harriet Mills Manchester RFC
5 Juliet Short Darlington Mowden Park Sharks RFC
6 Marlie Packer Bath RFC Captain
7 Hannah Field Reading RFC
8 Nicola Hoole Bath RFC Vice Captain
Replacements:
16 Sasha Acheson Sudbury RFC
17 Elizabeth Peak Oakmedians RFC
18 Charlotte Wild Leeds Met Uni
19 Amy Miller Reading RFC
20 Hannah Walker-Smart Paviors RFC
21 Alex Cook Bath RFC
22 Lizell Heather Kettering RFC

Head Coach Giselle Mather
Assistant Coach Martin Hynes

Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales vs. USA 5pm
Canada vs. England 7pm

July 12th

Canada vs. Wales, 130pm
England vs. USA, 330pm

July 15th
Canada vs. USA, 5pm
England vs. Wales, 7pm

July 18th

Consolation Finals, 130pm
Final, 330pm

Double Olympic Champ spurs on England Women by Julia Hutton

Double Olympic Gold Medal winner Sarah Webb, OBE, today (Monday) sent a message of good luck to the England Women’s rugby team ahead of a busy season which includes the Nations Cup next month, the RBS 6 Nations and the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The Olympian, who won Gold at both the Athens and the Beijing Olympics in the Yngling Sailing Class, gave the reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup champions a motivational talk at their Wellington College training camp.

Her talk gave the players a unique insight into the challenges and the battles she faced during her Olympic campaigns, and at the same time gave England a motivational boost to prove that anything is possible in what will be a crucial year for them. London will host the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in August and September and after finishing second in 2006 England are eager to lay their claim on rugby’s ultimate prize.

Webb said: “Being with these athletes today has been inspiring for me to be honest. When I was training full time I didn’t have to work where as these players all either have full time jobs or are studying. To be able to combine that with playing rugby at a supremely high level for your country I think is amazing.

“The atmosphere and the close knit bond between this group is obvious to see and that’s exactly what you need to be world beaters. I know first hand how important team work is, and these girls have got that. They know they have each others support whatever is thrown at them on a rugby pitch.

“They have got an important season coming up with their defence of the Nations Cup, the Six Nations and then the World Cup and I sincerely wish them all the luck in the world.”

England Head Coach Gary Street added: “Believe it or not there are so many similarities between what Sarah has experienced and what our players also face. From the vision these top athletes have to have to the core values, the commitment and dedication. I would like to thank Sarah for coming here today to speak to our players, who I know will take on board on her experiences.”

England internationals spread Child Victims of Crime message in South Africa

by Julia Hutton
June 18th, 2009



England Women internationals Sarah Hunter and Vicky Massarella are helping to spread the Child Victims of Crime (CVOC) Police Charity’s safety message to young South African children in Pretoria.

In conjunction with the Rugby Football Union and CVOC the two players, who helped England to a fourth consecutive RBS 6 Nations crown in March, will travel to South Africa next week for five days. They’ll be joined by 16 Year 9 boys and girls from English schools who have been specially chosen for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

During their trip the players and children will deliver Tag Rugby coaching sessions for primary aged children, take in cultural visits and will watch the second South Africa versus British & Irish Lions Test.

Flanker Hunter, who plays for Lichfield and is also an RFU Yazoo Tag Ambassador, said: “As a RFU Tag Ambassador I have seen the great work the CVOC charity do in using tag to promote children’s safety, health and welfare through coaching support given to schools by trained Police staff. The chance to be part of the group that will help launch the programme in South Africa, the first outside the UK, is a fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Saracens player Massarella, who announced her international retirement this week after gaining 23 caps for England, added: “I’m really excited about working with the CVOC charity and spreading their message in South Africa through tag rugby. I feel strongly about the work that the charity does and believe that it really makes a difference to millions of young peoples’ lives.

“The young sportsmen and women on the trip will have an unbelievable experience that they will never forget. Teaching rugby to some of the children in the schools out there will be a huge experience for me and will enable me to spread the CVOC message through my love of rugby.”

The Child Victims of Crime is the only National Police Children's Charity and was founded by the British Police Rugby Section. Its purpose is to support children whose lives have been affected by crime.

In conjunction with i2 Limited and the RFU, CVOC also operate an annual Tag Rugby tournament, from Tag to Twickenham, that has repeatedly proved to be a huge success with all the organisers and attendees.

Ends….

England Women’s team announced for senior Nations Cup Opener

August 10th, 2009



England Women’s Head Coach Gary Street has named his team for tonight’s (Monday) Nations Cup opener against the USA, kick off 1130pm BST, in Toronto, Canada.

The defending Nations Cup champions have named a strong starting line-up for the opening clash of the tournament, which includes Bristol’s Catherine Spencer as captain and Darlington Mowden Parks’ Katy McLean as vice captain. Wasps’ Heather Fisher will also make her first start for England following her impressive performances for England in this year’s Rugby World Cup 7s which saw England lift the Plate title.

England Captain Spencer said: “Preparations have been going really well out here in Canada and now we’re really excited to take to the field for our first game against the USA. The USA are a very physical outfit and there’s no doubt that this first test will be a seriously tough challenge for us.”

Flanker Fisher added: “I am hugely excited about getting my first cap. I have been lucky enough to have been capped for England in the Rugby World Cup 7s but this is my first senior XVs start. Having waited a very long time for this honour I’ll definitely be making the most of this opportunity. The USA will be very physical and as a number 7 this is exactly the sort of game I like to play.”

The Nations Cup is the start of a busy season for the England team, with the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London in 12 months. Before that England will also play the reigning World Champions New Zealand in three back-to-back tests, including the Investec Challenge Series Double Header at Twickenham Stadium on November 21st. They will also begin their defence of the RBS 6 Nations in February.

The Nations Cup provides England with an ideal competitive start to the new season with the USA, Canada, France and South Africa all involved, with all but South Africa finishing in the top five of the last rugby world cup in 2006.

England Head Coach Street added: “The Nations Cup is a great opportunity to play quality opposition. Our preparations have been excellent and the USA will be a fantastic test. We are expecting a tough physical contest as part of this four game tournament but this will give us an ideal build up towards the Rugby World Cup in London next year.”

France are also in action tonight against South Africa, kick-off 930pm.

You can watch all the Nations Cup games on http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-rugby

England

15 Charlotte Barras Saracens
14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
13 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
12 Alice Richardson Richmond
11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
10 Katy McLean Darlington Mowden Park Sharks VC
9 Amy Turner Richmond
1 Rochelle Clark Team Northumbria
2 Amy Garnett Saracens
3 Sophie Hemming Bristol Rugby
4 Sarah Beale Lichfield
5 Jo McGilchrist Wasps
6 Karen Jones Richmond
7 Heather Fisher Wasps
8 Catherine Spencer Bristol Rugby Captain
Replacements:
16 Claire Purdy Wasps
17 Katy Storie Team Northumbria
18 Becky Essex Richmond
19 Gemma Sharples Worcester
20 Georgina Rozario Plymouth Albion
21 Danielle Waterman Team Northumbria
22 Kim Oliver Bristol Rugby

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

All games to be played at Appleby College in Toronto. KO’s all BST

England v USA August 10th KO 1130pm
England v France August 13th KO 630pm
England v South Africa August 19th KO 930pm
England v Canada August 22nd KO 10pm

Ends…

by Julia Hutton

Changes to the England U20 Programme for the 2009 / 2010 Season

Following a review of the England U20 programme, there will be a number of changes to the trials and selection process for the squad for the 2009 / 2010 season.

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions to clarify the process for all interested persons.


To be eligible for the England Women U20 squad 2009 / 2010, players must be 17 years old on or before 1st September 2009 and under 20 years old on 1st September 2009.


Q: How do I get selected for England U20’s

A: Unlike previous years, there will be no open trials in 2009. Players will be selected from the HPA’s (both U18 and seniors) to attend a 3 day England U20 selection / training camp from Wednesday 28th – Friday 30th October 2009. Selected players will be sent a invitation letter / form directly from RFUW HQ.


Q: How many players will be invited to selection camp?

A: Approximately 50 players will be invited to attend the 3 day camp.


Q: What will the selection camp involve?

A: Players will be assessed on their rugby ability, their fitness, their commitment, will, desire and attitude on and off the field.



Q: What if I was in the U20’s last year (08/09 season)?

A: If you are still eligible, you will need to attend HPA’s, perform to a high standard and impress the coaches and be invited to attend the U20 Selection Camp.


Q: What if I’m a current TDG player and not attending the HPA’s?

Current U18 TDG players are not required to attend the U18 HPA’s but will attend the TDG camp in July and August. Those players who are eligible and perform to a high standard will be invited to the U20 selection camp.


Q: What happens if I’m selected to attend the U18 TDG camps in July and August and then invited to the U20 selection camp?

A: You should be proud. You are obviously a talented player! Those players who are eligible and perform to a high standard at the TDG camps will be invited to the U20 selection camp.


Q: What if I’m not selected for the HPA’s this summer?

A: The England U20’s is not a closed shop! Players who are not invited to attend the HPA’s this summer should ‘re-enter’ the player pathway by playing for their region. If selected and perform well, players will be recommended to England U20 management and players may well be considered for international matches later in the season.


Q. What if I’m selected for the Super 4’s?

A. The Super 4’s are essentially England Senior trials and being involved with this the Super 4’s is a great achievement. You’ll be playing with and against Senior England players and it will be an opportunity for you to gauge your ability against the best players in the country. Any player who has aspirations to play for England should strive to play Super 4’s!



Q: What if I attend the selection camp and I don’t get selected for the squad?

A: If you attend the selection camp but are not selected into the squad, you will be invited to attend regional ETC’s / TDG that operate around the country during the season. Furthermore players, should ‘re-enter’ the player pathway by playing for your region. If selected and perform well, players will be recommended to England U20 management and players may well be considered for international matches later in the season.


Q: How many players will be selected into the squad?

A: Approximately 20 – 25 players will be selected into the England U20 Squad following the selection camp. These selections will not be made on a position basis and so additional players may be brought into the squad for international competition.


Q: If I make the England U20 squad, what do I need to commit to?

A: Being selected into for the England U20’s is the start of a long term process. We want the England U20’s to be a step stone for talented, committed players to go on to represent England at full international level. That means being committed to your individual development on and off the field.


The England U20 programme will not just be training weekends as a squad, it will mean attending ETC’s / TDG’s during the season, being fully involved with the Regional programme, committing to and following an strength and conditioning programme and adopting elite athlete behaviours and attitudes.


Q: How will the RFUW support my rugby development if I’m selected in the squad?

A: The RFUW is fully committed to investing time and resources into the right players - players who are committed and want to be the best they can be! If you are education, you will be considered for a TASS Scholarship to help and assist with your rugby development.


TASS Scholarship award, (value of £3500) will cover the cost of services which may include rugby coaching provision, strength and conditioning training (covering gym fees and appointing you a qualified strength and conditioning coach), talented athlete lifestyle support (TALS), competition and training expenses, medical insurance expenses, sports science sessions and sports medicine support.


Furthermore, you will receive individualised personal development plans, 1-2-1 coaching sessions and access to high quality, professional coaches throughout the year


Q: What games will I get to play?

A: We anticipate that during the 2009 / 2010 season the England U20’s will play 2 international matches. The following season it is anticipated that the England U20’s will be play more fixtures and / or an international tournament.


Q: Why have the changes been made?

A: The changes have been made to ensure that we are putting resources into the players that will benefit from them.



Q: When is the selection camp again?

A: The 3 day England U20 selection / training camp will take place from Wednesday 28th – Friday 30th October 2009

England Women U20s crowned Nations Cup champions

England U20s Celebrate Nations Cup Win


July 18th, 2009



England 110 USA 0

England Women Under 20s ran in a cricket score victory against the USA today (Saturday), scoring 18 tries to lift the Nations Cup crown at Brunel University.

Worcester’s Sam Bree showed her speed and skill to run in an impressive six tries, handing her a total of 11 tries throughout the tournament while Nicola Hoole, Sarah McKenna and Rose Fong also grabbed a brace of tries each. Leeds fly half Claire Garner also had a great afternoon with the boot stroking over ten conversions.

England Head Coach Giselle Mather said: “I am so proud of the girls and the way they have played throughout this tournament. They have trained hard and they set themselves a target of not being complacent against the USA having already beaten them last week in the pool games. They certainly weren’t complacent.

“The players moved the ball around extremely well today, they kept the ball alive and delivered everything that was asked of them. Sam Bree scored six tries, outstripping the defence, but it was the pace of the whole team throughout this tournament that kept us moving forward all the time.

“It’s wonderful to have won the Nations Cup, and to do it for a second successive year is very special for every member of this Under 20s squad.”

Bree set the tone of the game with England’s opening try after just four minutes. An excellent line-out ball and some quick hands through the mid-field saw Bath centre Natasha Hunt make a good break. Bree then took the ball on and showed her pace to outstrip America’s defence and score under the posts. Garner converted.

Bath’s Hoole touched down for the first of her two tries after 13 minutes, closely followed by McKenna’s 15th minute effort which saw her take an intercept ball and run in from ten metres out. Again Garner converted to hand England a 21-0 lead.

Bree’s second and third tries came in quick succession on 18 and 21 minutes before Hoole claimed her brace when skipper Marlie Packer took some good line-out ball and then Hoole drove over the line. With Harriet Mills adding a 37th minute try England led 43-0 at the break.

The one way traffic continued after the restart with the USA unable to find a response to England’s dominance. This time Lizell Heather crossed after just one minute, before Fong added the first of her two tries with Mills providing the crucial pass.

McKenna added a good individual try on 47 minutes to take England into a comfortable 60-0 lead, with Hunt then immediately scoring after the restart from the back of a ruck.

Richmond prop Vicky Cornborough scored after a good break by England in the mid-field when she was in support, before Bree then found herself back in the thick of the scoring action with a 65th minute try.

With just ten minutes remaining England’s pressure remained relentless and they were again rewarded for their efforts with Charlotte Wild, Bree (2), Fong and Garnet Mackinder all touching down, leaving England to celebrate their impressive 110-0 victory.

In the third and fourth place play-offs Canada were victorious over Wales with a hard fought 12-10 victory.

England:

15 LIZELL HEATHER (KETTERING), 14 NATASHA HUNT (BATH), 13 ROSE FONG (DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK SHARKS), 12 SARAH MCKENNA (OLD ALBANIAN SAINTS), 11 SAM BREE (WORCESTER), 10 CLAIRE GARNER (LEEDS LEOS), 9 JESSIE FLOWERS (WEST PARK), 1 VICTORIA CORNBOROUGH (RICHMOND), 2 DAVINIA MONTEIRO (BATH), 3 CHARLOTTE MALE (BRISTOL), 4 JULIET SHORT (DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK SHARKS), 5 HARRIET MILLS (MANCHESTER), 6 MARLIE PACKER © (BATH), 7 HANNAH FIELD (READING), 8 NICOLA HOOLE (BATH). REPLACEMENTS: 16 ELIZABETH PEAK (OAKMEDIANS), 17 VICTORIA FLEETWOOD (LICHFIELD), 18 CHARLOTTE WILD (LEEDS MET UNI), 19 AMY MILLAR (READING), 20 HANNAH WALKER-SMART (PAVIORS), 21 GEMMA ROWLAND (EXETER UNIVERSITY), 22 GARNET MACKINDER (EXETER SARACENS)


Tries: Bree (6), Hoole (2), McKenna (2), Mills, Heather, Fong (2), Hunt, Cornborough, Wild, Mackinder
Conversions: Garner (10)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Wild for Field (blood, 11), Field for Wild (blood reverse 16), Peak for Male (blood, 27), Male for Peak (blood reverse, 27), Peak for Male (44), Wild for Short (44), Fleetwood for Monterio (44), McKinder for Heather (52), Millar for Mills (52), Walker-Smart for Flowers (58), Rowland for McKenna (58).

Half time score: England 43 USA 0

Referee: Sarah Corrigan (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Rebecca Patrick & Hannah Everitt


Under 20s Nations Cup playing schedule:

July 9th
Wales 3 USA 7
Canada 0 England 47

July 12th

Canada 11 Wales 16
England 42. USA 7

July 15th
Canada 20 USA 38
England 29 Wales 3

July 18th

Consolation Finals, Wales 10 Canada 12
Final: England 110 USA 0

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by Julia Hutton