Captain Katy McLean relishing WRWC 2014 in France

Posted on Jun 30, 2011 in Women's Rugby

The International Rugby Board has announced that France will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014.  The showcase international tournament for Women’s Rugby will be staged in Paris and will build on the record-breaking 2010 tournament in England.

The IRB Council selected the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) as the Host Union following a recommendation from the Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) Board to approve a tender that clearly demonstrated a commitment to delivering a world class environment for teams and fans and a platform to grow Women’s Rugby in France and throughout the world.

England captain Katy McLean, whose side finished second in the 2010 tournament after a narrow defeat to New Zealand, said: “I think that this is a very exciting opportunity for France and European rugby as a whole and a great opportunity to build on the success on the 2010 World Cup that was staged here in England. France are an extremely competitive nation and I have always had great experiences when playing in France. They always manage to get great crowds at their international games, which creates a wonderful atmosphere and I’m sure that this won’t be any different in 2014.

“The world cup in 2010 was a major success for the women’s game, helping to raise the profile of the game to new levels. As a player it was a great event and an amazing experience. It certainly set the standard for future events and really I just can’t wait for it all to begin again.

“I hope that in three years time I will still be captaining England – there is no greater honour than captaining your country at a world cup. And of course after finishing second at the last two world cups we want to go one better. Any team entering a world cup wants to win and we are no different. We need to keep building on our performances and ensure that we are fully prepared. It’s a long time off yet and we have other important challenges ahead first but at the end of the day we are all looking towards 2014.”

Details regarding the global qualification process for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 will be announced later this year with qualifying expected to kick-off in 2012.

WRWC finalists return to Twickers

Posted on Dec 8, 2010 in Women's Rugby

England Women, finalists in this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, will return to the home of England rugby, Twickenham Stadium, when they face Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations on March 13^th, 2011, kick off 515pm.

England, who narrowly lost 13-10 to reigning world champions New Zealand in September’s world cup final, will take to the Twickenham arena following the men’s Calcutta Cup match.

And once again, Twickenham will be offering members of the public free entry to this match.  Rugby fans who have tickets for the men’s Six Nations game can stay on and watch the match, while other supporters can turn up to the stadium and gain free entry following the final whistle of the men’s match.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “It will be fantastic to play at the home of English rugby again. When we played at Twickenham a year ago against New Zealand the atmosphere was very special and the game was watched by a record crowd of over 12,000 people. That number has since been smashed at the recent world cup final and we are certainly hoping that the tremendous support we received in that tournament will continue for the Six Nations.

“When England play Scotland it is always a big game, and I am sure with the men and the women playing on the same day and at the same venue then it will be a passionate and thrilling encounter.”

England, who will be defending their RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam crown, kick off their Six Nations campaign against Wales at Bridgend RFC on February 6th, before playing host to Italy, France and Scotland.

England take on Italy on February 12^th at Esher RFC, kick off 430pm, with entry just £8 for adults and one pound for Under 18s.

On February 27^th, England travel to Worcester’s Sixways Stadium where they take part in ‘Super Sunday’. England will join their under 20s counterparts, men and women, in taking on France in a triple billing of international rugby. Kick off is at 105pm.

England’s last game at home is at Twickenham on March 13^th before they travel to Ashbourne RFC in Ireland for the final match on March 18^th, kick off 730pm.

England’s RBS 6 Nations Fixtures

Wales v England     Feb 6              Bridgend RFC                      KO TBC

England v Italy         Feb 12            Esher RFC                            KO 430pm

England v France    Feb 27            Worcester RFC                     KO 105pm

England v ScotlandMarch 13       Twickenham Stadium         KO 515pm

Ireland v England    March 18       Ashbourne RFC                  KO 730pm

WRWC final: England 10 New Zealand 13

Posted on Sep 6, 2010 in Women's Rugby

The Black Ferns have secured their fourth successive IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup beating England in a physical encounter 13-10 in a thrilling Final at Twickenham Stoop in England.

A phenomenal victory for the Black Ferns that saw them hold out a ferocious England attack after receiving three yellow cards during the game.

New Zealand scored the only first half try with Otago winger Carla Hohepa crossing over late into the half while the Black Ferns only had 14 players on the field. Otago second five-eighth Kelly Brazier converted Hohepa’s try and New Zealand went to the break leading 7-0.

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England run in 12 tries in WRWC Kazakhstan victory

Posted on Aug 25, 2010 in English Rugby, Rugby News, Women's Rugby

England 82 Kazakhstan 0

England marched to an emphatic 82-0, 12 try victory over Kazakhstan on Tuesday in the second round of the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool games at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.

The host nation, who also defeated Ireland 27-0 in the tournament opener last weekend, put on a dominant display which left Kazakhstan with few answers for most of the match.

Richmond’s Fiona Pocock, who grabbed a hat-trick of tries, was named Woman of the Match but there were many stand out players during this clash. No. 8 Sarah Beale enjoyed a storming game while Charlotte Barras grabbed a hat-trick. Both Beale and Barras were also playing in their first match for England this year having been out of action through injury and illness.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “It’s really pleasing to get a result like this, especially in these windy conditions. We have still got to look to iron out some errors so there are things to work on but Kazakhstan certainly put on a physical and committed performance tonight. Our defence was good, the forwards grafted hard and got the good clean ball out to our backs, so really they deserve a lot of credit for this result.

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