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RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
England women bank on experience for home World Cup bid
England coach John Mitchell has named a vastly experienced squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil starting next month as the hot favourites aim to underline their dominance of the sport with the prize that so agonisingly eluded them in 2022. The squad of 32 boasts a combined 1,374 international caps, with 24 players who have previously competed at a World Cup. Zoe Aldcroft will captain her country in her third World Cup, supported by 2014 winner Marlie Packer and Olympian Megan Jones as vice captains. Emily Scarratt, with 118 caps to her name, is set to compete in her fifth tournament having overcome a career-threatening neck injury, with Alex Matthews and Packer in line for their fourth. Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Feaunati, Lilli Ives Campion, Jade Shekells and Emma Sing are all World Cup debutants. Natasha Hunt was included, three years after her shock omission from the 2022 squad and having fought back to make herself first-choice scrum-half again. "It is a rare and awesome opportunity for this group to represent the Red Roses at a home World Cup," Mitchell said. "It has been a thorough two-year process to select the right blend of positional cover, skill, mindset and connection. "Every experience and challenge has brought the 32 to this point in their life and career, and they have all earned their place. They should be proud of the opportunity to create history together." Captain Aldcroft added: "To lead the team into a home Rugby World Cup is an incredible feeling. "This group have a fantastic opportunity to inspire young boys and girls all over the country - it's something we have spoken about as a collective and we're relishing the chance to do so." England are odds-on favourites for the competition on the back of an extraordinary run of 50 wins in 51 games with one defeat. Unfortunately for them that "one" was the incredible 2022 World Cup final (above) when New Zealand snatched a last-minute England lineout - having not contested one all match - as England sought a match-winning try having eschewed a kick at goal that would have tied the scores. That was the sixth time they have lost in the final - five to New Zealand - with their two wins coming in 1994 and 2014. Their last defeat in any match before the 2022 final was also to New Zealand in 2019. After a warm-up match against Spain in Leicester on 2 August, England get the tournament under way against the United States under the lights in Sunderland on Friday, 22 August. The 27 September final at Twickenham has long been an 82,000 sell-out. England squad for Women's Rugby World Cup: Forwards (18) Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 63 caps)** Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)* Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 71 caps)** Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 56 caps)* Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 2 caps) May Campbell (Saracens, 3 caps) Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 21 caps) Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 13 caps) Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 83 caps)** Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps) Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 24 caps)* Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps) Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 21 caps)* Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 75 caps)*** Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 40 caps)* Marlie Packer (Saracens, 110 caps)*** Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 22 caps)* Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 74 caps)** Backs (14) Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 40 caps)* Jess Breach (Saracens, 45 caps)* Abby Dow (Unattached, 52 caps)* Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 57 caps)** Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 29 caps)* Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 80 caps)** Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 25 caps)* Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 52 caps)* Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 35 caps)* Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 31 caps)* Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 39 caps)* Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 118 caps)**** Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, 2 caps) Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps)
The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-England women bank on experience for home World Cup bid
LONDON (Reuters) -England coach John Mitchell has named a vastly experienced squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil starting next month as the hot favourites aim to underline their dominance of the sport with the prize that so agonisingly eluded them in 2022. The squad of 32 named on Thursday boasts a combined 1,374 international caps, with 24 players who have previously competed at a World Cup. Zoe Aldcroft will captain her country in her third World Cup, supported by 2014 winner Marlie Packer and Olympian Megan Jones as vice captains. Emily Scarratt, with 118 caps to her name, is set to compete in her fifth tournament having overcome a career-threatening neck injury, with Alex Matthews and Packer in line for their fourth. Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Maddie Feaunati, Lilli Ives Campion, Jade Shekells and Emma Sing are all World Cup debutants. Natasha Hunt was included, three years after her shock omission from the 2022 squad and having fought back to make herself first-choice scrumhalf again. "It is a rare and awesome opportunity for this group to represent the Red Roses at a home World Cup," Mitchell said. "It has been a thorough two-year process to select the right blend of positional cover, skill, mindset and connection. "Every experience and challenge has brought the 32 to this point in their life and career, and they have all earned their place. They should be proud of the opportunity to create history together." Captain Aldcroft added: "To lead the team into a home Rugby World Cup is an incredible feeling. This group have a fantastic opportunity to inspire young boys and girls all over the country - it's something we have spoken about as a collective and we're relishing the chance to do so." FAVOURITES England are odds-on favourites for the competition on the back of an extraordinary run of 50 wins in 51 games with one defeat. Unfortunately for them that "one" was the incredible 2022 World Cup final when New Zealand snatched a last-minute England lineout - having not contested one all match - as England sought a match-winning try having eschewed a kick at goal that would have tied the scores. That was the sixth time they have lost in the final - five to New Zealand - with their two wins coming in 1994 and 2014. Their last defeat in any match before the 2022 final was also to New Zealand in 2019. After a warm-up match against Spain in Leicester on August 2, England get the tournament underway against the United States under the lights in Sunderland on Friday, August 22. The September 27 final at Twickenham has long been an 82,000 sellout. England squad for Women's Rugby World Cup: Forwards (18) Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 63 caps)** Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)* Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 71 caps)** Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 56 caps)* Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 2 caps) May Campbell (Saracens, 3 caps) Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 21 caps) Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 13 caps) Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 83 caps)** Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 15 caps) Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 24 caps)* Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps) Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 21 caps)* Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 75 caps)*** Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 40 caps)* Marlie Packer (Saracens, 110 caps)*** Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 22 caps)* Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 74 caps)** Backs (14) Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 40 caps)* Jess Breach (Saracens, 45 caps)* Abby Dow (Unattached, 52 caps)* Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 57 caps)** Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 29 caps)* Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 80 caps)** Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 25 caps)* Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 52 caps)* Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 35 caps)* Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 31 caps)* Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 39 caps)* Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 118 caps)**** Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, 2 caps) Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps) *denotes number of Women's Rugby World Cup tournaments played (Reporting by Mitch Phillips, Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Wales captain replaced in major shake-up and Maro Itoje makes demands
Tonight's rugby news as Wales captain replaced in major shake-up and Maro Itoje makes demands The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Maro Itoje takes part in a gym session during the British & Irish Lions training camp (Image: Getty Images ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, June 18. Wales captain replaced Wales Women head coach Sean Lynn has announced he will be appointing a new captain ahead of his side's summer tour of Australia and the 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign, with centre Hannah Jones being replaced in the role. The former Gloucester-Hartpury boss endured a disappointing first campaign in charge of the national side as they failed to win a single game at this year's Six Nations, finishing with the wooden spoon for the second year in a row. That disappointing run has seen Swansea-born Lynn more motivated than ever to drive much-needed change within the squad and transform the culture around it as well as improving performances on the pitch. Selecting a new captain, he says, is part of that process and means that Jones - who has won 65 caps for her country - will no longer be skipper moving forward. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. She was handed the captaincy ahead of the 2023 Six Nations, when Wales finished third in the table. However, her side have gone on to finish bottom of the following tournaments and, after also dealing with a messy contract dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union last year, the 28-year-old is set to be replaced. Article continues below 'This is a new chapter for the team, and I am determined to drive the change we need with the squad, coaches and staff so that we build real success on solid foundations," said Lynn. 'A new Wales captain is part of this process, and we have some candidates, but they need to prove that they have the qualities to lead the national side. 'Hannah Jones has done a really professional job in challenging circumstances that have been well documented, but we will call for a fresh voice in a deliberate move to grow the leadership within the squad. 'Hannah remains a valued and senior member of the squad. We have enjoyed great success together at club level and I want us to do the same at international level." The Wales boss added: 'I made it clear when I was appointed by the WRU that this was the job I always wanted and I needed the mandate to create a new team culture, to drive standards and challenge coaches, players and staff to build a team to make the nation proud. 'That is something we will all do together, and developing more leaders is one of many steps on that journey.' Itoje lays out Lions demands By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent Maro Itoje wants his British and Irish Lions squad to be defined by toughness, unity and energy as they target a triumphant tour of Australia. Itoje's third Lions expedition is also his first as captain after an impressive Six Nations in charge of England propelled him into one of the most revered posts in the game, previously occupied by greats such as Martin Johnson, Willie John McBride and John Dawes. For almost a decade the 30-year-old second row has set the tone for England's physicality up-front, but he knows brute strength alone will not be enough to shape players drawn from four rival countries into a cohesive force. 'I want this Lions squad to be tough. I look at our forwards and I see a group of tough men,' Itoje said. 'I want us to be tight, that's a huge thing. I want us to be an incredibly tight group of players that have each other's back. 'And regardless of who plays and regardless of which combinations, I want us to play with the passion, energy and zeal you'd expect of a Lions squad. I think that's what the fans would expect of us. 'The Lions works when the players are selfless, so to make sure it's a successful tour we all have to be selfless and put the Lions at the forefront of everything we do. 'You have a new family when you're with the Lions. There's a reason why there are four emblems on the badge – because when you get there, this is your new family. 'You're not thinking from an English point of view or a Welsh point of view, you're thinking from a Lions point of view. 'I want the players to enjoy it. This is an incredibly unique experience. Who knows if the guys on this tour will go again? 'There's no way of knowing what will happen in four years' time. So you have to enjoy it. 'You enjoy it by working hard, giving all of yourself to it and being selfless. If we do those things, with the talent we have, it will be a great tour.' Six Nations unions enter Lions talks The Welsh Rugby Union have reportedly joined the other Six Nations unions in entering talks with the British & Irish Lions about bundling their TV rights for the next four-year cycle in an effort to entice Sky Sports. While the rights for the Six Nations between 2026 and 2029 have already been sold to ITV and the BBC in a joint deal, the rights for the new Nations Championship, as well as the 2029 Lions tour to New Zealand, remain up for grabs. The biennial Nations Championship, which is set to be held for the first time next year, will see the Six Nations sides comprise a 'European Conference' and compete against a 'Rest of the World Conference' which will be made up of the SANZAAR nations, in addition to two invited unions, which are likely to be Fiji and Japan. According to City AM, Lions bosses have been approached by their counterparts at the unions about selling their respective rights together in a bundle deal. With Sky holding the exclusive live rights for Lions tours since 1997, the publication says the unions hope that a bundling of the rights could persuade the broadcaster to also bid for the Nations Championship. However, it remains very possible that the Lions may choose to continue selling their rights on an individual basis, as they have done for nearly 30 years. Montoya to lead Pumas By PA Sport Staff Julian Montoya will lead Argentina against the British and Irish Lions on Friday just six days after starting the Gallagher Premiership final. Montoya captained Leicester in their 23-21 defeat by Bath at Allianz Stadium but is immediately back in action as the Pumas look to inflict defeat on Andy Farrell's men in the curtain-raiser to their summer tour of Australia. Bautista Bernasconi, Boris Wenger, and Simon Benitez Cruz will make their first appearances for the Pumas if they step off the bench for the non-cap international in Dublin. Saracens flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez and Gloucester's Bath-bound full-back Santiago Carreras are among a strong Premiership contingent. Article continues below Argentina were also the warm-up opponents in 2005 when they held Sir Clive Woodward's Lions to a 25-25 draw in Cardiff.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sand dunes and sumo - Wales' brutal pre-season
From sand dunes to shark bait sumo, Wales head coach Sean Lynn is delivering on his promise of a brutal pre-season. After a disappointing first campaign in the 2025 Women's Six Nations the former Gloucester-Hartpury boss made no secret of the fact he thought Wales lacked the fitness to play the brand of rugby that won him three successive league titles. Advertisement And with a two-Test tour of Australia and the Rugby World Cup in England fast approaching, Lynn is intent on pushing players to their limits. His extended training squad reported for testing at the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) National Centre of Excellence at the start of June, the first task being the dreaded bronco runs. True grit For those fortunate enough never to have partaken, it is a fitness test that involves timed shuttle runs over increasing distances. "We came in on day one looking at the bronco testing, it's what our lead S&C [strength and conditioning coach] wanted to measure us on," said Lynn. Advertisement "It's really exciting because one of our young pathway players absolutely smashed it, and came top of the forwards league table which is really pleasing to see." Testing has not just been confined to sweltering indoor training barns - the squad headed to Merthyr Mawr on Friday where they endured the energy-zapping 'big dipper' - the largest sand dune in Wales. "When you're in these tough situations, it's about making sure that we're all in it together," said Lynn. "It's a combination of making sure that we are digging in deep and working hard for each other. Advertisement "We want to be a hard team to beat." As well as welcoming back prop powerhouse Sisilia Tuipulotu, Lynn has stayed true to his word by including a handful of pathway players in his 45-player squad. And they are not just there to make up the numbers with Lynn saying they are "very much in the mix" for selection this summer. "It's lovely to see the PDCs [player development centres] at the moment and you can see their fruition. "We're seeing a real big emphasis on these girls. They are not drowning, they are swimming very nicely in these waters." Back-row Chiara Pearce and scrum-half Seren Lockwood have both come from Wales Under-18s. Advertisement "It's been challenging physically and mentally, but it's a great feeling training with all the big guns, because you see them on telly," Pearce said. "I feel confident in everything I'm doing, just because he [Lynn] is on my back saying 'you can do it, just believe in yourself, we're all here together and we're all helping you'." Lockwood added: "We are here for a reason, so it's up to us to prove ourselves now. "It's crazy to think about it, I'm 18 years-old, it [selection] would be a dream, but it is in reach, I've just got to fight for it now and see what happens." Advertisement It is also a first camp for loose-head prop Katherine Baverstock who said it is certainly a "step-up" from under-20s, but they "want to train well and put our names out there". Baby sharks While impressing the coaches, Pearce, Lockwood and Baverstock admit to being daunted by some of the senior players, especially when they do the 'shark bait' contact drill. "Basically we fight each other, it's like sumo wrestling and you've got to get each other out of the circle. It gets pretty intense," explained Baverstock. "I had Abbie Fleming, I got in the ring and I was shaking, I was like 'oh no'," said Pearce. Advertisement But at the same time the young trio are more than ready to fight for shirts. "I'll have no problem putting myself in the mix and fighting for that position because I know how bad I want it," said Pearce. "They've already represented and I haven't yet." That is just the sort of healthy competition Lynn wants before he whittles the squad down to 30 players before heading down under to take on the Wallaroos in Brisbane on 26 July and then in Sydney on 1 August. Wales beat Australia for the first time in their history at Rodney Parade in a warm-up last September before succumbing to a heavy defeat at WXV2 a week later. Advertisement On their return to the UK, Wales will have just over three weeks to shake-off the jet lag and get ready for what promises to be the biggest ever Women's Rugby World Cup, with the 10th edition being held across eight different venues in England. Wales' opening game is against Six Nations rivals Scotland on Saturday, 23 August. Wales' World Cup Pool B fixtures Scotland v Wales: Saturday, 23 August, Salford Community Stadium,14:45 BST Canada v Wales: 30 August, Salford Community Stadium, Saturday, 12:00 BST Wales v Fiji: Saturday, 6 September, Sandy Park, 14:45 BST
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Sand dunes and sumo - Wales' brutal pre-season
From sand dunes to shark bait sumo, Wales head coach Sean Lynn is delivering on his promise of a brutal a disappointing first campaign in the 2025 Women's Six Nations the former Gloucester-Hartpury boss made no secret of the fact he thought Wales lacked the fitness to play the brand of rugby that won him three successive league with a two-Test tour of Australia and the Rugby World Cup in England fast approaching, Lynn is intent on pushing players to their extended training squad reported for testing at the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) National Centre of Excellence at the start of June, the first task being the dreaded bronco runs. True grit For those fortunate enough never to have partaken, it is a fitness test that involves timed shuttle runs over increasing distances."We came in on day one looking at the bronco testing, it's what our lead S&C [strength and conditioning coach] wanted to measure us on," said Lynn."It's really exciting because one of our young pathway players absolutely smashed it, and came top of the forwards league table which is really pleasing to see."Testing has not just been confined to sweltering indoor training barns - the squad headed to Merthyr Mawr on Friday where they endured the energy-zapping 'big dipper' - the largest sand dune in Wales."When you're in these tough situations, it's about making sure that we're all in it together," said Lynn."It's a combination of making sure that we are digging in deep and working hard for each other."We want to be a hard team to beat." As well as welcoming back prop powerhouse Sisilia Tuipulotu, Lynn has stayed true to his word by including a handful of pathway players in his 45-player they are not just there to make up the numbers with Lynn saying they are "very much in the mix" for selection this summer."It's lovely to see the PDCs [player development centres] at the moment and you can see their fruition."We're seeing a real big emphasis on these girls. They are not drowning, they are swimming very nicely in these waters." Back-row Chiara Pearce and scrum-half Seren Lockwood have both come from Wales Under-18s."It's been challenging physically and mentally, but it's a great feeling training with all the big guns, because you see them on telly," Pearce said."I feel confident in everything I'm doing, just because he [Lynn] is on my back saying 'you can do it, just believe in yourself, we're all here together and we're all helping you'."Lockwood added: "We are here for a reason, so it's up to us to prove ourselves now."It's crazy to think about it, I'm 18 years-old, it [selection] would be a dream, but it is in reach, I've just got to fight for it now and see what happens."It is also a first camp for loose-head prop Katherine Baverstock who said it is certainly a "step-up" from under-20s, but they "want to train well and put our names out there". Baby sharks While impressing the coaches, Pearce, Lockwood and Baverstock admit to being daunted by some of the senior players, especially when they do the 'shark bait' contact drill."Basically we fight each other, it's like sumo wrestling and you've got to get each other out of the circle. It gets pretty intense," explained Baverstock."I had Abbie Fleming, I got in the ring and I was shaking, I was like 'oh no'," said at the same time the young trio are more than ready to fight for shirts."I'll have no problem putting myself in the mix and fighting for that position because I know how bad I want it," said Pearce."They've already represented and I haven't yet." That is just the sort of healthy competition Lynn wants before he whittles the squad down to 30 players before heading down under to take on the Wallaroos in Brisbane on 26 July and then in Sydney on 1 beat Australia for the first time in their history at Rodney Parade in a warm-up last September before succumbing to a heavy defeat at WXV2 a week their return to the UK, Wales will have just over three weeks to shake-off the jet lag and get ready for what promises to be the biggest ever Women's Rugby World Cup, with the 10th edition being held across eight different venues in opening game is against Six Nations rivals Scotland on Saturday, 23 August. Wales' World Cup Pool B fixtures Scotland v Wales: Saturday, 23 August, Salford Community Stadium,14:45 BSTCanada v Wales: 30 August, Salford Community Stadium, Saturday, 12:00 BSTWales v Fiji: Saturday, 6 September, Sandy Park, 14:45 BST
