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The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Woodman-Wickliffe off to third World Cup with Black Ferns, Tui omitted
FILE PHOTO: Paris 2024 Olympics - Rugby Sevens - Women's Pool A - New Zealand vs Canada - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - July 28, 2024. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand in action with Carissa Norsten of Canada REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File Photo WELLINGTON (Reuters) -Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was selected by New Zealand for her third women's World Cup on Friday, headlining an experienced Black Ferns squad packed with players who won the last edition of the global showpiece. The prolific try-scoring winger, who came out of retirement in April for a tilt at a third-straight world title, will be joined in England by centres Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka, who were also part of the triumphant 2017 and 2022 squads. Kelly Brazier, who was part of the champion 2010 and 2017 squads but missed out on the 2022 triumph, won a recall at the age of 35 for her fourth World Cup as a backup to flyhalf Ruahei Demant. Demant will co-captain the squad with loose forward Kennedy Tukuafu, who was included despite missing two matches this month because of a knee injury. There was no place in the 32-woman squad for Ruby Tui, however, despite the winger having been the face of the 2022 tournament on home soil. Woodman-Wickliffe, teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ayesha Leti-I'iga and fullback Renee Holmes were instead selected as the outside backs. "I'd like to acknowledge the players who have missed out. Their contribution to the black jersey and to our team this year has been immense," said head coach Allan Bunting. "The level of depth and internal competition we have seen from our wider squad made the selection process very difficult, however this speaks to the growth and exciting future of women's rugby in Aotearoa." Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Katelyn Vahaakolo are among 14 players who will be playing in their first World Cup. Setefano and Waaka were among seven players from New Zealand's sevens programme who made themselves available for the World Cup in March with scrumhalf Risi Pouri-Lane and flanker Jorja Miller, the others who made the cut. The Black Ferns, ranked third in the world behind hosts England and Canada, kick off their bid for a sixth world title against Spain in York on August 24 and also play Ireland and Japan in Pool C. Squad: Forwards - Kate Henwood, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Chryss Viliko, Atlanta Lolohea, Vici-Rose Green, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Amy Rule, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu Backs - Iritana Hohaia, Maia Joseph, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Kelly Brazier, Ruahei Demant, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Setefano, Stacey Waaka, Renee Holmes, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe Non-travelling reserve: Krystal Murray (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Jamie Freed)
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ilona Maher included in USA squad for Women's Rugby World Cup
Ilona Maher has been selected in the United States squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup in England later this year. Maher, a bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics in rugby sevens, switched from the condensed format back to the 15-a-side game to press for a place at the tournament. A productive stint with Bristol Bears in Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) last season saw the 28-year-old feature both on the wing and in the centres, before she featured in the Pacific Four series earlier this summer. She has now earned inclusion in a 32-player squad named by Sione Fukofuka which also features plenty of other familiar faces from PWR. The squad is led by back row Kate Zackary, who plays her club rugby for Trailfinders Women, while Saracens co-captain Lotte Sharp offers a highly-experienced option on the wing. Prop Hope Rogers, a star with Exeter for several seasons, makes a fourth World Cup having last year become her nation's most capped women's international. 'This Rugby World Cup isn't just about us — it's about showing the next generation what's possible,' Zackary said. 'We want kids across the US to see this team and think, 'That could be me.' Rugby in America is growing, and we're here to kick that door wide open. 'This squad is driven and ready to rewrite our story. We have the opportunity to play the sport we love at the highest level — and we don't take that for granted - and are relentless in it's pursuits. We're here to elevate each other and push beyond every limit, together.' The United States take on hosts England in the opening game at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Australia and Samoa are the other two teams in Pool A.
The Independent
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Ilona Maher included in USA squad for Women's Rugby World Cup
Ilona Maher has been selected in the United States squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup in England later this year. Maher, a bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics in rugby sevens, switched from the condensed format back to the 15-a-side game to press for a place at the tournament. A productive stint with Bristol Bears in Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) last season saw the 28-year-old feature both on the wing and in the centres, before she featured in the Pacific Four series earlier this summer. She has now earned inclusion in a 32-player squad named by Sione Fukofuka which also features plenty of other familiar faces from PWR. The squad is led by back row Kate Zackary, who plays her club rugby for Trailfinders Women, while Saracens co-captain Lotte Sharp offers a highly-experienced option on the wing. Prop Hope Rogers, a star with Exeter for several seasons, makes a fourth World Cup having last year become her nation's most capped women's international. 'This Rugby World Cup isn't just about us — it's about showing the next generation what's possible,' Zackary said. 'We want kids across the US to see this team and think, 'That could be me.' Rugby in America is growing, and we're here to kick that door wide open. 'This squad is driven and ready to rewrite our story. We have the opportunity to play the sport we love at the highest level — and we don't take that for granted - and are relentless in it's pursuits. We're here to elevate each other and push beyond every limit, together.' The United States take on hosts England in the opening game at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Australia and Samoa are the other two teams in Pool A.
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dancing with the Stars contestant announces rugby retirement after 10 years
Rugby star Jordan Conroy has said he didn't think it would be "so difficult" retiring from the sport. The Rugby Sevens star announced he will hang up his boots after 10 years playing with Ireland. In an emotional statement on Instagram, the 31-year-old admitted to it having been a difficult decision to make. The Tullamore native said: "I didn't think it would be this difficult writing this, saying goodbye to something that's been apart of your life the last 10 years. "Trying to put everything into words is quite impossible or not shedding a tear while writing this." Conroy first started playing rugby when he was 18 and played 15s with Tullamore and Buccaneers. He made his Ireland Sevens debut in 2016 and was the highest try scorer at the 2020 World Series as the Boys in Green qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He has played 171 World Series games for his country, scoring 123 tries in that time. Conroy, who also took part in RTE's Dancing with the Stars, added: "First of all I'd like to thank my I've known from the beginning of when I started this, to those who I met along the way. "Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you, the good times and the bad times." SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 29: Jordan Conroy of Ireland scores a try during the 2023 Sydney Sevens match between Ireland and Great Britain at Allianz Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by) He said "we were more than just a team". "We were more than just a team, we were a bunch of lads who believed in each other when others laughed at us. "To you I give thanks and I am honoured to have shared this journey with you. "To the special people who I've met around the world who stuck with me since the very beginning and saw something in me to @padinphx@therealdenimdan@trevorleander_trev@meenu___apr@clorabella@kobay_okeeffe@lalainejoyce thank you for your kindness your blessings. "It makes me sad that I might not meet some of you ever again, but that's okay because we can cherish the memories we had. "Finally to myself for believing in me for braving the toughest storms that this sport has thrown at me but also taught me so many things. "I wouldn't be the Jordan I am today if it wasn't for this sport. "I now officially announce my retirement from professional Rugby 7s it's been on heck of a ride folks. "Peace and Love," he added. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
First rugby franchise league in India features grassroots talent
Almost every Saturday since he was 10, Akash Balmiki would bunk school to chase a ball that looked like a dinosaur egg. "My parents were mad at me," he recalls. Balmiki discovered rugby in 2007 when a friend introduced him to Khelo Rugby, a free training camp for underprivileged kids. "But when I told my parents I wanted to play seriously, they didn't stop me," grins the player who went on to represent India and even play for the Dallas Harlequins, a respected American rugby club. "My parents don't watch me play. They don't understand the game," he shrugs. Balmiki's father works as a sweeper and his mother is a homemmaker. "But it makes them happy to see me on TV," says the 27-year-old captain of Mumbai Dreamers, one of six franchise teams in India's inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL). Organised for the first time in India at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex), the goal of this Rugby Sevens tournament—which culminates in its final match today—isn't just entertainment but transformation. The aim is to elevate the profile of rugby in India, inspire the next generation of players, and create a festival-like atmosphere for fans, says actor Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, which has spearheaded the event. RPL features six teams with Indian and international players. Bose, a former national-level rugby player himself, ensured that it started right: six world-class coaches were signed on even before approaching marquee players. A player draft followed. "Each coach picked five international players and the teams took turns drafting them," he says. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Among the marquee internationals are Perry Baker (USA, two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year), Scott Curry (New Zealand, six-time World Sevens Series champion), and Terry Kennedy (Ireland, World Rugby 7s Player of the Year 2022). Indian players went through a competitive auction: 71 were up for selection, 30 made the cut. "We thought the Indian players might be behind. They're not," says Bose, calling the sons of farmers, labourers and tribal families the heroes of the RPL. "These stories are the spine of the league." Arjun Mahato—now a Back for Kalinga Tigers—was lured into rugby by Balmiki with the promise: "You'll get to eat while you train." The 'weird' rules confused him at first ("You can't pass forward but you can kick forward"), but he stuck around. He went on to play at the U-14 and U-18 national levels and now helps translate move names like "hammer" into Hindi for his teammates. Paco Hernández, head coach of the Bengaluru Bravehearts and a former captain of Spain's national sevens team, says coaching Indian players has been "deeply moving." He singles out Mohit Khatri, a "fast, strong, natural leader," as one of the best Indian players he's seen. From the Mumbai Dreamers camp, Australian rugby star Henry "Rapchik" Hutchison—who has spent over a decade on the global rugby sevens circuit—is equally impressed. "The quality is much higher than expected. There's enough talent here to create a really good rugby environment going forward." He admits the experience has been humbling. "A hard day for them is not the same as a hard day for us. Seeing them smile and be stoked to be here—it's inspiring. " But beyond the players, the venue also played a key role in shaping the RPL experience. To raise rugby's profile, venue choice was key. Andheri Sports Complex was picked for its pristine grass and lack of an athletics track. "Tracks push fans 30 metres away, which kills energy," explains Bose. "This field lets the game breathe." It was the lure of a stadium as big as this one that pulled Sambit Pradhan—a Forward for Hyderabad Heroes—into the game. Pradhan grew up on his family's farm in Adaspur village in Cuttack, Odisha. "One of my seniors said I'd get to play in a stadium," he recalls. "That was a big deal. I'd never been in one." He joined the Bhubaneswar Rugby Club, played for the state, and then lost three years to a hand injury. During his recovery, he worked part-time as a school sports teacher before easing back into the sport. Now part of Hyderabad Heroes, Pradhan is still surprised to be playing alongside international players and Indian stars. "All the players I'm playing with have represented India. I've only seen them on TV." Language remains a barrier. "My English isn't great. They speak fast. But we're all fluent in rugby," Pradhan adds with a grin. From Kenyan teammate Kevin Wekesa, he picked up skills like catching and lifting. From Spanish player Manuel 'Manu' Moreno, he learned how to handle pressure. "When we lost to Bengaluru Bravehearts, we were low. Our captain just ordered burgers and asked us to focus on the next match." Despite being played in 322 of India's 760 districts, rugby is still confused with American football, says Bose. He dreams big. "We want India to compete at the Olympics by 2032 or 2036. Our women are ranked 10th in Asia, the men 15th. We believe we can break into the top two in the next seven to 11 years."
