Latest news with #2024Women'sSummerSeries
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
France eyeing successful defence of U20 Six Nations Women's Series
The two sides, who both finished with 100% records in 2024, face off against one another in the opening round of fixtures at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, South Wales. It is the second edition of the U20 tournament, which debuted in Italy, and after storming to three wins from three last year, Roboam cannot wait to get going and knows how important good performances could be. 'I'm really excited by this competition,' said the lock, who can also play in the back row. 'It's an unforgettable chance to have an international U20s competition, I was able to play in it last year so I can't wait to see what it's like this year. 'There are lots of opportunities. It will be watched closely by the French team and also by our clubs, so we have to put in a good performance. 'In terms of the preparation for the game against Italy, it's about getting closer as a group, creating a connection and then having the right words to make sure we are all pulling in the same direction.' Roboam plays domestically for Toulouse, having started playing the sport aged 10, and explained it was a privilege for her and her teammates to be able to progress the game they all feel so passionate about. 'We're lucky to be able to help develop women's rugby,' she continued.'We want to be on the same wavelength to encourage young girls and boys to play rugby and to encourage them to watch us play. 'The World Cup and everything that will come with it is going to be really important for women's rugby. It's impressive and really cool to be part of that. "Following on from the 2024 Women's Summer Series, 14 players across the six countries went on to achieve senior honours during the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations, including standout France winger Kelly Arbey. And Roboam highlighted the importance of the competition for giving players the opportunity to standout and to use it as a springboard to break into the senior team. 'This tournament is really important because I know the French teams are watching,' she added. 'We all want to catch their eye so that we can get involved in some training camps at least, and then who knows playing some games. If we play well here, it will be a good first step. 'With women's rugby on an upward trajectory, the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series is a big chance for stars of the future to gain vital international experience, graduate along the development pathway, while also inspiring a new generation of rugby fans." Spread across three dates during July, France will also face Ireland on 11 July before rounding off their campaign against England six days later. Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Hyett relishing chance to show what England can do
The two sides face off against one another in the opening round of fixtures of the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, South Wales. It is the second edition of the U20 tournament, which debuted in Italy last year, when England won two of their three matches. Twenty-year-old centre Hyett, who tasted Premiership Women's Rugby glory with Gloucester Hartpury earlier this year, is keen for England to focus on their own game and let everything else take care of itself. 'I'm excited for [the Scotland game] and I think it'll be a really good battle,' said Worcester native Hyett. 'We know they're going to be physical and turn up on the day, but it's just about playing our game and doing what we're good at. 'It's a really good chance for this U20 group to showcase what they can do. We've been working really hard this past six or seven months and it's exciting to show what we're about on the pitch.' Following on from the 2024 Women's Summer Series, 14 players across the six countries went on to achieve senior honours during the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations, including England's Lilli Ives Campion. And Hyett, who took up rugby aged four after growing up with three brothers who all played the sport, highlighted the importance of the Women's Summer Series for giving players the opportunity to stand out and to use it as a springboard to break into the senior team. 'In the top bracket of the older year of U20s, it's a good step and good time to prepare yourself for senior rugby, whether that's for PWR or the Red Roses. It's everyone's dream to play for the Red Roses,' she added. 'Senior coaches are watching this, and we've already seen players like Millie David, Sarah Parry and Lilli too kick on, so it's great that progression is there.' With women's rugby on an upward trajectory, the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series is a big chance for stars of the future to gain vital international experience, graduate along the development pathway, while also inspiring a new generation of rugby fans. Spread across three dates during July, England will also face Italy on 11 July before rounding off their campaign against France six days later. Julie Paterson, Chief of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, added: 'The Women's Summer Series is an essential part of the strategy and commitment of Six Nations Rugby, and the six unions and federations, to proactively support the creation and growth of opportunities in the women's game.'
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Gunderson: Scotland 'ready for battle' against England
The two sides face off against one another in the opening round of fixtures of the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. It is the second edition of the U20 tournament, which debuted in Italy, and after suffering three defeats out of three 12 months ago, the class of 2025 only have eyes for success in Wales this time around. And Gunderson, who is part of a leadership group of four and will captain her country against England, knows her team is ready for the challenge ahead. 'Every single one of the girls is up for the battle that we're going to be given, which will be really good,' the 21-year-old back rower said. 'We will fight for it, we're ready to go out there and show what we can do and what we're worth.' Gunderson plays domestically for Corstorphine Cougars/Edinburgh Rugby, having started playing the sport aged four due to her father being a coach at Forrester Rugby Club, and explained there's a good feeling around the camp ahead of their opening clash. 'We're really excited, we've had such a big build-up this year which has been really nice,' she continued. 'Going from Italy last year to come to [Wales] this year, it's good vibes. We've had really good vibes in the squad, and it's been really nice to be around.' Following on from the 2024 Women's Summer Series, 14 players across the six countries went on to achieve senior honours during the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations, including Scotland's Molly Poolman. And Gunderson highlighted the importance of the competition for giving players the opportunity to standout and to use it as a springboard to break into the senior team. 'It's a massive incentive for the girls,' she added. 'It's a great incentive to kick-off the World Cup too; that we can play before it and show what we can do. 'It's massively important this tournament exists and is shown on the platforms that they've got. We can show that women's rugby is growing and going from strength to strength.' With women's rugby on an upward trajectory, the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series is a big chance for stars of the future to gain vital international experience, graduate along the development pathway, while also inspiring a new generation of rugby fans. Julie Paterson, Chief of Rugby at Six Nations Rugby, said: 'The Women's Summer Series is an essential part of the strategy and commitment of Six Nations Rugby, and the six unions and federations, to proactively support the creation and growth of opportunities in the women's game.' Spread across three dates during July, Scotland will also face Wales on 11 July before rounding off their campaign against Ireland six days later.
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Wales captain Metcalfe looks to follow in sister's footsteps
The 18-year-old is determined to follow the same path as her older sister Nel and reach the senior team – but first she leads her country into the U20 Six Nations Women's Summer Series. Metcalfe and her teammates have the opportunity to push their cases for full international call-ups when they take on Ireland this afternoon as the competition gets underway in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. It is the second edition of the U20 tournament, which debuted in Italy last year, and despite suffering three defeats out of three 12 months ago, the Welsh class of 2025 are relishing the chance to showcase what they can do. 'I'm really excited,' said back rower Metcalfe, who attended Hartpury College. 'The girls have had a good few weeks of training, we've had a good team run this morning. We are feeling really confident going into tomorrow. 'We are really positive. The girls have gelled really well today and it's so nice to see everyone from different places coming together to represent Wales.' Following on from the 2024 Women's Summer Series, 14 players across the six countries went on to achieve senior honours during the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations, including Branwen's sister Nel, 20. And Metcalfe, who is from Llanrwst and started playing rugby aged seven, highlighted the importance of the competition for giving players the opportunity to standout and to use it as a springboard to break into the senior team. 'Our pathway in Wales is definitely working,' she said. 'I have seen it myself personally, my sister is in the senior squad now, and it is really great to see how we've got so many youngsters pushing for places. 'She has always been an inspiration to me. I definitely want to follow in her footsteps if I can.' With women's rugby going from strength to strength and the game on an upward trajectory, the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series is a big chance for stars of the future to gain vital international experience, graduate along the development pathway, while also inspiring a new generation of rugby fans. Spread across three dates during July, Wales will also face Scotland on 11 July before rounding off their campaign against Italy six days later.
South Wales Guardian
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Wales captain Metcalfe looks to follow in sister's footsteps
The 18-year-old is determined to follow the same path as her older sister Nel and reach the senior team – but first she leads her country into the U20 Six Nations Women's Summer Series. Metcalfe and her teammates have the opportunity to push their cases for full international call-ups when they take on Ireland this afternoon as the competition gets underway in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. It is the second edition of the U20 tournament, which debuted in Italy last year, and despite suffering three defeats out of three 12 months ago, the Welsh class of 2025 are relishing the chance to showcase what they can do. 'I'm really excited,' said back rower Metcalfe, who attended Hartpury College. 'The girls have had a good few weeks of training, we've had a good team run this morning. We are feeling really confident going into tomorrow. 'We are really positive. The girls have gelled really well today and it's so nice to see everyone from different places coming together to represent Wales.' Following on from the 2024 Women's Summer Series, 14 players across the six countries went on to achieve senior honours during the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations, including Branwen's sister Nel, 20. And Metcalfe, who is from Llanrwst and started playing rugby aged seven, highlighted the importance of the competition for giving players the opportunity to standout and to use it as a springboard to break into the senior team. 'Our pathway in Wales is definitely working,' she said. 'I have seen it myself personally, my sister is in the senior squad now, and it is really great to see how we've got so many youngsters pushing for places. 'She has always been an inspiration to me. I definitely want to follow in her footsteps if I can.' With women's rugby going from strength to strength and the game on an upward trajectory, the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series is a big chance for stars of the future to gain vital international experience, graduate along the development pathway, while also inspiring a new generation of rugby fans. Spread across three dates during July, Wales will also face Scotland on 11 July before rounding off their campaign against Italy six days later. Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
