Purdy to captain England against South Africa

Posted on Aug 4, 2011 in England, English Rugby, Women's Rugby

Wasps prop Claire Purdy will captain England in their second Nations Cup clash, against South Africa on Friday evening, kick off 1030pm BST, at Appleby College, Ontario, Canada.

Head Coach Gary Street has made wide-spread changes to the team that defeated the USA 15-11 on Tuesday, which sees only Becky Essex, Kay Wilson, Alice Richardson and Joanne McGilchrist start a second successive game.

Richardson, who moves from the centre to fly-half, has also been handed the vice-captaincy armband while Sarah McKenna, Jenny Brightmore and Natasha Hunt earn their first ever starts for England after making their debuts off the bench on Tuesday. Bristol’s Marlie Packer will also start her second ever game for England after a late call-up to England’s Nations Cup squad following an injury to Jane Leonard.

“This game is the ideal opportunity to give everyone in the squad a start after a close fought game against USA,” said Street, whose side are the defending Nations Cup champions. “We are looking to improve on our performance against a South African team who will also be aiming to build on their 52-17 defeat to Canada earlier this week.

“We will also be starting Marlie Packer who has replaced the injured Jane Leonard. Although we are all deeply disappointed in losing Jane this is a great opportunity for Marlie who was here three years ago when the England Under 20s team won the Nations Cup.

“There were some pleasing performances from the six new caps on Tuesday and this game against South Africa gives us another opportunity to see more of them at international level.”

Nations Cup match action is available athttp://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-rugby

England

• 15        Kay     Wilson            (Richmond)
• 14        Katherine      Merchant       (Worcester)
• 13        Claire             Allan   (Richmond)
• 12        Sarah             McKenna       (Old Albanians)
• 11        Michaela        Staniford        (Wasps)
• 10        Alice   Richardson (VC)      (Richmond)
• 9          Natasha         Hunt   (Lichfield)
• 1          ClairePurdy  (C)      (Wasps)
• 2          Amy    Garnett           (Saracens)
• 3          Sophie           Hemming      (Bristol)
• 4          BeckyEssex(Richmond)
• 5          Rowena         Burnfield       (Richmond)
• 6          JennyBrightmore    (Worcester)
• 7          MarliePacker            (Bristol)
• 8          Jo        McGilchrist    (Wasps)

Replacements:       

• 16        Vicky  Fleetwood     (Lichfield)
• 17        Laura  Keates            (Worcester)
• 18        Tamara          Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park)
• 19        Sarah             Hunter            (Lichfield)
• 20        La Toya          Mason            (Wasps)
• 21        Katy    McLean          (Darlington Mowden Park)
• 22        Danielle         Waterman     (Worcester)

England Nations Cup playing schedule (Appleby College, Ontario):

August 2^nd USA v England KO 1130pm, WON 15-11

August 5^th South Africa v England KO 1030pm BST

August 9^th Canada v England KO 1130pm

August 13^th Finals Day KO TBC

England Women open Nations Cup campaign with hard fought USA win

Posted on Aug 3, 2011 in England, Women's Rugby

England 15 USA 11.

England Women opened their Nations Cup campaign with a hard fought 15-11 victory over the USA on Tuesday night at Appleby College in Ontario, Canada, with only an extra-time try sealing the win.

The defending champions and Six Nations title holders banked the victory thanks to tries from skipper Katy McLean, Vice-captain Margaret Alphonsi and Richmond lock Rowena Burnfield, who scored the crucial match winning try in the 87^th minute.

The USA pushed England all the way and a try from Victoria Folayan and two penalties from centre Pam Kosanke kept their charge going as they led 11-10 in the dying minutes of the game.

In a new look England line-up, which saw Victoria Fleetwood, Laura Keates, Kay Wilson, Jenny Brightmore, Natasha Hunt and Sarah McKenna all making their debuts, England did however dominate much of the match but also squandered several try scoring opportunities.

Street said: “The importance of this tournament was evident in this match with the physicality and pressure from the USA. It is a different challenge to the Six Nations so it is vital for the development of some of our younger and less experienced players.

“Introducing six new caps to international rugby will bear fruit in the future and we showed great maturity to win the game late on. We will get better as the tournament progresses and we look forward to playing South Africa on Friday.”

With the Eagles kicking off the game Wasps’ Joanne McGilchrist took the ball nicely and McLean kicked well for territory and the backs chased well. Lichfield centre Emily Scarratt hit some great lines in the early stages of the game but the USA backs defended well and their line speed was good to close down a lot of what England were trying to do. Richmond lock Becky Essex also came close to scoring after ten minutes with a great line break but England were unable to score from it.

Fly-half McLean then had the chance to put England’s first points on the board with a 12^th minute penalty, but she couldn’t make the score and although fullback Danielle Waterman showed some great feet and creativity heading straight back at the USA on the counter attack again England couldn’t break the USA’s line.

England’s patience paid off though and some more impressive footwork by Waterman from England’s 22 and some superb support by wing Fran Matthews saw England finally break the deadlock with McLean scoring in the corner on 24 minutes. McLean, however, couldn’t add the conversion.

America clawed their way back to 5-3 with Pam Kosanke adding a 32^nd minute penalty and they could have in fact taken the lead moments later with a second penalty, but to England’s relief the ball went wide.

The USA took control of the game in the second-half with their one and only try of the game. Wing Folayan took the ball nicely from a kick and some strong running, where she evaded a handful of tackles, saw her score. Kosanke missed the conversion but the USA took the 8-5 lead on 48 minutes.

England managed to turn the tables on America though with flanker Alphonsi at the heart of the action, scoring England’s second try on her 55^th cap, although with McLean missing the conversion England only led 10-8.

England’s lead was short-lived though and some careless errors, including being off-side, handed the USA the chance to go ahead with a 56^th minute penalty. With Kosanke converting, they did, and led 11-10.

England were far from down and out though and threw everything they had at the USA in attempt to retake the lead. A fired-up Amy Garnett, making her 97^th appearance for England, took a quick tap penalty, passing the ball to Claire Allan who battled her way against the Eagles’ defensive line. A superbly placed kick from McLean handed England a lineout in USA’s 22, but again the points didn’t come.

The USA, however, buckled under the pressure with Sarah Chobot showed the yellow card for persistent foul play on 73 minutes leaving England with a one-man advantage.

England went close another two times, but again couldn’t break the try line, and McLean also missed a late penalty attempt. The Red Roses didn’t give up though and after a period of sustained pressure which saw several scrums on America’s line, lock Burnfield finally broke through, powering her way over the try-line to score in the last play of the game. With McLean missing the conversion England took the 15-11 victory.

England next play South Africa on Friday at 930pm BST. Nations Cup match action is available at www.womensnationscup.com

England

15 Danielle Waterman (Worcester), 14 Francesca Matthews, (Richmond), 13Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), 12 Alice Richardson, (Richmond), 11 Kay Wilson (Richmond), 10 Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park) (C), 9 La Toya Mason (Wasps), 1 Rochelle Clark (Worcester), 2 Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield), 3 Laura Keates (Worcester), 4 Rebecca Essex(Richmond), 5 Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park), 6 Joanna McGilchrist (Wasps), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens) VC, 8 SarahHunter (Lichfield). Replacements: 16 Amy Garnett (Saracens), 17 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 18 Rowena Burnfield (Richmond), 19 Jennifer Brightmore (Worcester), 20 Natasha Hunt (Lichfield), 21 SarahMcKenna (Old Albanians), 22 ClaireAllan (Richmond)

Tries: McLean, Alphonsi, Burnfield

Conversions:

Penalties:

Substitutions: Garnett for Fleetwood (50), Hemming for Keates (50), Burnfield for Essex (50), Allan for Wilson (50), Brightmore for McGilchrist (60), Hunt for Mason (50), McKenna for Richardson (77).

England Nations Cup playing schedule (Appleby College, Ontario):

August 2^nd USA v England KO 1130pm, WON 15-11

August 5^th South Africa v England KO 930pm BST

August 9^th Canada v England KO 1130pm

August 13^th Finals Day KO TBC

Exciting new era for Black Ferns

Posted on Aug 2, 2011 in NZ, Women's Rugby

New Zealand’s world champion Black Ferns will have a guaranteed annual programme for the next three years to bolster their formidable playing record and already strong international reputation.

The multi-year programme agreed between the RFU (England) and NZRU will guarantee the Black Ferns play a total nine Test matches against England over the next three years.

The new era commences in November 2011 with the Black Ferns travelling to England for a three-Test series against last year’s Women’s RWC runners-up.  England hosts the Black Ferns again for a three Test series in 2012, before New Zealand hosts England in 2013 for three matches including Tests against the Black Ferns.

With RWC Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans taking a break from coaching this year, the NZRU today also announced the appointment of Assistant Coach Grant Hansen as the Black Ferns Head Coach this year, with Otago Women’s NPC coach John Kyle being appointed as his Assistant Coach.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the three year-programme and coaching team provided certainty for the Black Ferns heading into the 2014 Women’s RWC in France where they will be seeking to achieve an astonishing fifth consecutive title.

“This is a huge step forward for us and the Black Ferns.  We have been working for a number of years to find meaningful opportunities and opponents for the Black Ferns and we are grateful to the RFU for making this possible,” Sorensen said.

“To know that we are going to see the world’s two top women’s rugby teams in action for nine internationals over the next three years is really exciting.  It will be hugely beneficial for both teams as they prepare for the Women’s Rugby World Cup,” he said.

Mr Sorensen said following the re-launch of the Women’s NPC in 2011, the confirmation of the Black Ferns programme creates certainty for New Zealand’s aspiring and recognised international players; a pathway for coaches and the NZRU to prepare the team for the next World Cup; and a base on which to build the women’s game and fan base with a view to participation in the 2016 Olympic Games Sevens tournament.

“We have not only achieved a regular programme against quality opposition but we have also been able to create a fantastic touring opportunity for these teams funded in large part by the RFU which demonstrates the respect that is held for our world champions.”

Head Coach Grant Hansen said he was thrilled with the prospect of a three year schedule of Test matches against traditional arch rivals England.

“We’re incredibly proud to have taken out the Women’s RWC in four consecutive tournaments and a three-year programme definitely strengthens the planning for our next RWC campaign.

“We have some very strong and talented women out there and the unavailability of some of our 2010 Black Ferns means there will be an opportunity for new players to put themselves into the frame for selection.  These international fixtures always provide an added incentive for them to excel in their sport.

“It’s great to have John Kyle with us this year – he is a familiar face to many of the players. John has shown great loyalty to the women’s game, having been Otago Women’s Assistant Coach in 2006, then moving into the Head Coach role until this year, and he’ll be a huge asset to our campaign this year,” Hansen said.

Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the Rugby Football Union for Women, said: “We are really excited about this announcement. It is the first time that we have had a three year commitment to play New Zealand and this will do wonders from both a playing and profile perspective.

“This agreement is the icing on the cake for us. We now have regular tests against the current World Champions, as well against the USA and Canada in the Nations Cup, and of course Europe’s best in the Women’s RBS 6 Nations.”

Black Ferns 2011 – 2013 programme:

2011:              Black Ferns Travel to England for three Tests on 26 and 29 November, and 3 December

2012:              Black Ferns Travel to England for three Tests

2013:              England travels to New Zealand for three Tests

Wales clash sold out as Wilko prepares for open training

Posted on Aug 2, 2011 in England, English Rugby, Wales, Welsh Rugby

England will play in front of a sold out Twickenham when they take on Wales in Saturday’s Investec International. Martin Johnson’s men take on 6 Nations rivals Wales home and away, before heading to Dublin to play Ireland in their final Rugby World Cup warm up match.

Speaking ahead the clash against the Welsh, England Team Manager Johnson said: “The players really appreciate the support they get, especially at Twickenham, and it’s great that Saturday’s game is a sell out. These three games are massively important for our World Cup preparations  – they will be full on and that’s exactly the atmosphere you want, a full house with 82,000 people.”

Fans that missed out on tickets for the Wales game will have another opportunity to see the England players perform at an open training session held at the stadium just three days later on August 9.

Gates open at 3.30pm on the day, with the training session kicking off an hour later. Fans are invited to stay behind after training to get autographs from their heroes.

England fly half Jonny Wilkinson enjoys meeting fans, and says that signing autographs gives him as much pride as pulling on the white shirt ahead of a big game.

Wilkinson said: “When all’s said and done, these signing sessions are the things that stick in your memory as intensely and with as much pride as some of the big games we play in, because it’s all part of playing for England.”

“Training in front of the fans is always a good experience, it gives a nice atmosphere that you don’t usually get at training. It’s almost makes you switch on that little bit more and focuses you.

“The best thing about it is to be able to engage with the people who support you. I always like putting faces to the cheers, and to see what it means to them – it’s a massive reality check. You realise how much it means to the fans.”

England face Wales at the Millennium Stadium just four days after the open session and Wilkinson promises that the intensity will not let up.

“It’s a great opportunity to see how tough it really is. I get lots of letters from people asking ‘what’s it like behind the scenes’, and to be honest it doesn’t get more real than a training session in Test week.

“It’s a big year for us this year with the Rugby World Cup around the corner, we know that a lot of these fans won’t be able to make it over to New Zealand so it’s important for us to give our thanks and converse with the guys who will be cheering us on from home.”

Wilkinson has been part of several epic signing sessions during his England career, once cancelling two flights back to France because there were still fans waiting to see him.

He added: “People often say to me ‘I’m sorry to ask you to sign this’ or ‘you must hate these signing sessions’, and I feel like saying ‘it’s really not a big deal, I haven’t written that much since I left school to be honest!’ but what’s writing your name and having a chat with someone? It means as much to us as hopefully it does to the fans – it’s a pleasure.”

The open training session will be the last time that fans will be able to see England at Twickenham before the World Cup after the test match against Wales on August 6 sold out.

Entrance into the stadium will be via Gate A and parking will be available in the West car park off Rugby Road.  The viewing area for the open training will be in the West Stand Lower tier.

• 3.30pm – Gates open
• 4.30pm – England open training starts
• 5.50pm – Training closes and autograph session starts

The Rugby Store, situated on the South Stand of Twickenham Stadium on Rugby Road, will be open from 10am and throughout the evening, offering supporters the opportunity to purchase England mementos and items to be signed.

The World Rugby Museum, also open from 10am, will be offering a special entry rate of £2 for adults and £1 for children, giving fans the chance to turn back the clock and learn about the history of the game and its ultimate competition, the Rugby World Cup.

England Women’s team announced for Nations Cup opener

Posted on Aug 1, 2011 in England, English Rugby, Women's Rugby

The England Women’s team to take on the USA in the Nations Cup opener on Tuesday August 2^nd at Appleby College in Ontario, kick off 1130pm BST, has been announced.

England Head Coach Gary Street, whose side are the defending Nations Cup champions and go into the tournament on the back of a sixth successive RBS 6 Nations title win, has named six new caps in his 22, including three in the starting line-up.

Worcester prop Rochelle Clark will be the experienced head in a new look front row with both Lichfield’s Victoria Fleetwood and Worcester’s Laura Keates getting their first starts for England at hooker and tight-head prop respectively. Richmond’s Kay Wilson will also make her England debut on the wing. Richmond duo Alice Richardson and Claire Allan, meanwhile, will also mark their return to international XVs rugby in nearly a year with Richardson starting at centre and Allan on the bench.

Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ Katy McLean will once again captain England with Margaret Alphonsi as vice captain.

Street said: “This competition is an ideal opportunity to develop new combinations and introduce new caps at international level. All six of our new caps are in this 22 for the first game and a new challenge of playing the USA is really important in their overall development programme. We’ll be looking over the first two games to give a good amount of game time to all of the squad and I’m looking forward to seeing the players stepping up to the challenge.

“The USA are one of the best sides in the world and always present a fully committed and physical challenge. With a new coaching set-up we are not sure what to expect of them but we are excited at the prospect of this match.”

Nations Cup match action is available at www.womensnationscup.com

England

15        Danielle         Waterman     (Worcester)

14        Francesca     Matthews       (Richmond)

13        Emily  Scarratt          (Lichfield)

12        Alice   Richardson   (Richmond)

11        Kay     Wilson            (Richmond)

10        Katy    McLean          (Darlington Mowden Park) (C)

9          La Toya          Mason            (Wasps)

1          Rochelle        Clark   (Worcester)

2          Victoria           Fleetwood     (Lichfield)

3          Laura  Keates            (Worcester)

4          Rebecca        Essex(Richmond)

5          Tamara          Taylor(Darlington Mowden Park)

6          Joanna          McGilchrist    (Wasps)

7          Margaret        Alphonsi        (Saracens) VC

8          SarahHunter            (Lichfield)

Replacements:                               

16        Amy    Garnett           (Saracens)

17        Sophie           Hemming      (Bristol)

18        Rowena         Burnfield       (Richmond)

19        Jennifer         Brightmore    (Worcester)

20        Natasha         Hunt   (Lichfield)

21        SarahMcKenna       (Old Albanians)

22        ClaireAllan   (Richmond)

England Nations Cup playing schedule (Appleby College, Ontario):

August 2^nd USA v England KO 1130pm BST

August 5^th South Africa v England KO 930pm BST

August 9^th Canada v England KO 1130pm

August 13^th Finals Day KO TBC