The draw for tomorrow's Worthing 10s has been published, with three Herts teams in the U15s and one in the U18s.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
U13 and U15 rules and age band changes for 2011-12
Full details about the new U13 age band, and consequent changes to the rules for the U15 band, have now been published. See the RFUW U13 Review and FAQ for details.
The new "tag to tackle" playing rules for the new U13 band have also been published.
The new "tag to tackle" playing rules for the new U13 band have also been published.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Herts' duo turns game for England
Two Hertfordshire players turned potential defeat into a comfortable victory for England today against Wales. First Hannah Gallagher came off the bench for England U20s to score the try that put her team ahead - and then Georgia Peedle completed the win with the try that finally saw off Welsh resistance
England had been trailing to Wales for most of this afternoon's international, played at Hartpury College in Gloucester. With 29 minutes left Wales lead 19-13 when Hannah and Georgia came on, along with Surrey's Alex Matthews. Soon after Matthews had reduced the deficit, and then on 62 minutes Hannah, supported by Essex's Emily Scott, completed a superb move, touching down under the posts. Scott converted and England were ahead 25-19.
Wales were not finished - until Georgia seized her chance, after some good work by England’s backs, catching a great line on her first touch of the ball and scoring. With Scott again successful with the boot, England sealed an impressive 32-19 victory.
England Women U20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “This was again a very different match to the games we have played against France and Scotland this season. We put ourselves in trouble in the first half with a high missed tackle count and two sin-binnings. We fell foul of the referee and were playing with 13 players at one point which is when Wales scored their second try. We certainly made life hard for ourselves against a very good Wales team.
“In the break we had a good team talk stressing the need to do the basics well and when we started doing that we were much more disciplined. Our tackling was much better as was our defence and that meant we could put pressure on Wales. From about 50 minutes onwards there was a sense that this game was there for us to take. We used our entire bench and their experience made a real difference. With Gallagher and Matthews coming on they upped the pace and physicality and we scored two quick tries.”
Bennett added: “It’s great that we have won three out of three games. Along the way we have also learned a lot and we are now confident and mentally strong. We know when we make errors that we can bounce back. The U20s programme this season is certainly one of the best there has ever been and we will have some very tough selection decisions to make ahead of the Nations Cup. I know that I will be able to pick 26 players for that squad and everyone of them will make an impact during our campaign.”
England U20s
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester, South West), 14 Katie Mason (Bristol, Somerset, South West), 13 Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West), 12Louise Dennis (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands), 11 Rebecca Hughes (Bristol, Somerset, South West), 10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East), 9 Charlotte Keane (Worcester, South West), 1 Emily Kingston (Gloucester, Gloucestershire, South West), 2 Geri Thomas (Old Albanian Saints, Hertfordshire, London & SE), 3Mica Evans(Exeter Saracens, Devon, South West), 4 Fiona Fletcher (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands), 5 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North), 6 PoppyCleall (Bristol, Hampshire,South West), 7 Megan Oaten (Bristol, Gloucestershire, South West), 8Harriet Mills (C) (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands). Replacements: 16 Charlie Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West), 17Daniker Willmore (Bristol, South West), 18 Alexandra Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & South East), 19 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East), 20 N/A, 21 Leanne Riley (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands), 22 Georgia Peedle (Worcester, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
Tries: Cleall (2), Matthews, Gallagher, Peedle
Conversions: E. Scott (2)
Penalties: E. Scott
Substitutions: Matthews for Mills , Gallagher for Oaten (both 57), Peedle for Roberts (59), Willmore for Evans (64), Riley for Dennis (68), Notman for Thomas (69)
England had been trailing to Wales for most of this afternoon's international, played at Hartpury College in Gloucester. With 29 minutes left Wales lead 19-13 when Hannah and Georgia came on, along with Surrey's Alex Matthews. Soon after Matthews had reduced the deficit, and then on 62 minutes Hannah, supported by Essex's Emily Scott, completed a superb move, touching down under the posts. Scott converted and England were ahead 25-19.
Wales were not finished - until Georgia seized her chance, after some good work by England’s backs, catching a great line on her first touch of the ball and scoring. With Scott again successful with the boot, England sealed an impressive 32-19 victory.
England Women U20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “This was again a very different match to the games we have played against France and Scotland this season. We put ourselves in trouble in the first half with a high missed tackle count and two sin-binnings. We fell foul of the referee and were playing with 13 players at one point which is when Wales scored their second try. We certainly made life hard for ourselves against a very good Wales team.
“In the break we had a good team talk stressing the need to do the basics well and when we started doing that we were much more disciplined. Our tackling was much better as was our defence and that meant we could put pressure on Wales. From about 50 minutes onwards there was a sense that this game was there for us to take. We used our entire bench and their experience made a real difference. With Gallagher and Matthews coming on they upped the pace and physicality and we scored two quick tries.”
Bennett added: “It’s great that we have won three out of three games. Along the way we have also learned a lot and we are now confident and mentally strong. We know when we make errors that we can bounce back. The U20s programme this season is certainly one of the best there has ever been and we will have some very tough selection decisions to make ahead of the Nations Cup. I know that I will be able to pick 26 players for that squad and everyone of them will make an impact during our campaign.”
England U20s
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester, South West), 14 Katie Mason (Bristol, Somerset, South West), 13 Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West), 12Louise Dennis (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands), 11 Rebecca Hughes (Bristol, Somerset, South West), 10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East), 9 Charlotte Keane (Worcester, South West), 1 Emily Kingston (Gloucester, Gloucestershire, South West), 2 Geri Thomas (Old Albanian Saints, Hertfordshire, London & SE), 3Mica Evans(Exeter Saracens, Devon, South West), 4 Fiona Fletcher (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands), 5 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North), 6 PoppyCleall (Bristol, Hampshire,South West), 7 Megan Oaten (Bristol, Gloucestershire, South West), 8Harriet Mills (C) (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands). Replacements: 16 Charlie Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West), 17Daniker Willmore (Bristol, South West), 18 Alexandra Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & South East), 19 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East), 20 N/A, 21 Leanne Riley (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands), 22 Georgia Peedle (Worcester, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
Tries: Cleall (2), Matthews, Gallagher, Peedle
Conversions: E. Scott (2)
Penalties: E. Scott
Substitutions: Matthews for Mills , Gallagher for Oaten (both 57), Peedle for Roberts (59), Willmore for Evans (64), Riley for Dennis (68), Notman for Thomas (69)
RFUW introduce new age band for girls rugby
Wednesday April 27, 2011 Issued by Julia Hutton
From September 1st 2011 a new Under 13s age band will be introduced for girls’ rugby in England.
After extensive research and consultation throughout the game, the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) will introduce the new age band to provide more competitive and more constructive rugby for girls under the Under 15s age bracket.
Previously, Under 15s and Under 18s age bands were introduced in 2007/2008 to increase players at youth level and provide sufficient competitive outlets.
Since then the game has developed with more girls playing rugby. Minor amendments have been made to accommodate changes within the schools environment and the need to develop competitions for girls. However, several Under 15s age bands were still struggling for numbers which was reflected by more clustering of clubs and a lack of players in many Constituency Body squads.
Through introducing the new Under 13s age band for the forthcoming season the RFUW are confident this will provide girls with a better development route, it would reduce the perception of size differentials as well as encouraging girls to stay in the game. This is especially important with the popularity of Tag Rugby in primary schools.
David Rose, the RFUW’s Head of Development, said: “The RFUW is committed to developing as many opportunities as possible for girls to play rugby. We have taken notice of the feedback we received from schools and clubs and this has resulted in the new age band. The Under 13s age band will assist in girls making the transition from primary schools where Tag Rugby is a hugely popular game for girls. We are excited about the opportunities the additional age band will provide the RFUW to further develop participation.”
To make the age band change, coaching and teacher training will be delivered by the RFU’s coaching department and distribution will be through the RFU delivery teams, English Schools Union and County Schools Union, together with supportive resource material.
Ends…
Background Information:
The RFUW established an Age Band Review Group in 2010 to conduct a review of the current Player Pathway. This group considered the opinions of players, coaches and administrators.
U13s pilot programmes were run in four areas of the country involving schools and clubs and feedback was collated.
The Competitions Review Group supported the recommendations from the Age Band Review Group to introduce the U13s age band for the 2011/2012 season.
From September 1st 2011 a new Under 13s age band will be introduced for girls’ rugby in England.
After extensive research and consultation throughout the game, the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) will introduce the new age band to provide more competitive and more constructive rugby for girls under the Under 15s age bracket.
Previously, Under 15s and Under 18s age bands were introduced in 2007/2008 to increase players at youth level and provide sufficient competitive outlets.
Since then the game has developed with more girls playing rugby. Minor amendments have been made to accommodate changes within the schools environment and the need to develop competitions for girls. However, several Under 15s age bands were still struggling for numbers which was reflected by more clustering of clubs and a lack of players in many Constituency Body squads.
Through introducing the new Under 13s age band for the forthcoming season the RFUW are confident this will provide girls with a better development route, it would reduce the perception of size differentials as well as encouraging girls to stay in the game. This is especially important with the popularity of Tag Rugby in primary schools.
David Rose, the RFUW’s Head of Development, said: “The RFUW is committed to developing as many opportunities as possible for girls to play rugby. We have taken notice of the feedback we received from schools and clubs and this has resulted in the new age band. The Under 13s age band will assist in girls making the transition from primary schools where Tag Rugby is a hugely popular game for girls. We are excited about the opportunities the additional age band will provide the RFUW to further develop participation.”
To make the age band change, coaching and teacher training will be delivered by the RFU’s coaching department and distribution will be through the RFU delivery teams, English Schools Union and County Schools Union, together with supportive resource material.
Ends…
Background Information:
The RFUW established an Age Band Review Group in 2010 to conduct a review of the current Player Pathway. This group considered the opinions of players, coaches and administrators.
U13s pilot programmes were run in four areas of the country involving schools and clubs and feedback was collated.
The Competitions Review Group supported the recommendations from the Age Band Review Group to introduce the U13s age band for the 2011/2012 season.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Herts Sevens 2011: Draw (and Gloucester 10s results)
Herts Girls 7’s at Hemel Hempstead Camelot on Sun 8 May: Group Stage Draw
U15 | |||
Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
Welwyn Warriors | Berks Ba Baas | London Irish | Worcester A |
Litchfield | Old Northamptonians | Ealing | Oakmeadians A |
OA Saints | Worcester B | Saracens | Hertford |
Bishop Stortford | Royston | Grove | Letchworth |
Hemel Hempstead | Faringdon | Oakmeadians B | Guilldford and Camberley |
U18 | |||
Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
Worcester | Welwyn Saints | London Irish | Berks Ba Baas |
Chesham | Old Northamptonians | Saracens | Litchfield |
Welwyn Sinners | Ealing | Thomas Becket | Aylestone St James |
Hemel Hempstead | Guildford and Camberley | Herts Ba Baas | Oxfordshire |
Gloucester Girls 10’s at Hartpury College on 23-24 April: Results
U15 Cup - Winners: London Irish; Runners up: Worcester.
U15 Plate - Winners: Cardiff Quins; Runners up: Welwyn Warriors.
U15 Bowl - Winners: Exeter Saracens; Runners up: Cleve.
U18 Cup - Winners: London Irish; Runners up: Worcester.
U18 Plate - Winners: Welwyn Saints; Runners up: Ellingham + Ringwood.
U18 Bowl - Winners: Cardiff Quins; Runners up: Exeter Saracens.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Geri in starting XV for England U20
OA Saints' Geri Thomas will be in the starting XV for England Women’s Under 20s when they to take on Wales U20s on Wednesday April 27th at Hartpury College (kick off 2pm). England U20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett has made sevens changes and two positional changes to the starting line-up that beat Scotland last month.
Lichfield’s Harriet Mills will captain the England U20s, with Emily Kingston, Mica Evans, Poppy Cleall, Mills, Rebecca Hughes, Louise Dennis and Geri all coming into the starting line-up. Fiona Fletcher and Abi Scott also swap positions in the second row.
England will be looking for a third win on the bounce after a 12-5 victory over France and a 77-0 win over Scotland earlier this year. The fixture is the last of the England’s U20s home fixtures ahead of their summer tour to America in July in the Nations Cup.
Bennett said: “Although we are delighted with two wins from our first two games, the most important aspect is the quality of performance. 24 of the 26 Under 20s squad members have had the opportunity to start against France or Scotland and we have seen individual progress as well as two very good, if different, team performances.
“The aim against Wales is to continue on that curve – focusing our attention on the essential technical and tactical elements that we’ve prioritised in training. The squad is also beginning to grow and although there is clearly competition for places, the players are clearly gelling and this bodes well for the Nations Cup.
“We have a mixed record against Wales, suffering one defeat last year. Certainly this represents one of our toughest games this season and we expect them to be well drilled, tenacious and unpredictable. Another win would be nice but another strong performance is what we are looking for. This would be the best platform from which we launch our Nations Cup campaign.”
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester, South West)
14 Katie Mason (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
13 Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West)
12 Louise Dennis (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands)
11 Rebecca Hughes (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East)
9 Charlotte Keane (Worcester, South West)
1 Emily Kingston (Gloucester, Gloucestershire, South West)
2 Geri Thomas (Old Albanian Saints, Hertfordshire, London & SE)
3 Mica Evans(Exeter Saracens, Devon,South West)
4 Fiona Fletcher (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
5 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North)
6 PoppyCleall (Bristol, Hampshire,South West)
7 Megan Oaten(Bristol, Gloucestershire, South West)
8 Harriet Mills (C) (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
Replacements:
16 Charlie Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West)
17 Daniker Willmore (Bristol, South West)
18 Alexandra Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & South East)
19 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
20 N/A
21 Leanne Riley (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands)
22 Georgia Peedle (Worcester, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
Lichfield’s Harriet Mills will captain the England U20s, with Emily Kingston, Mica Evans, Poppy Cleall, Mills, Rebecca Hughes, Louise Dennis and Geri all coming into the starting line-up. Fiona Fletcher and Abi Scott also swap positions in the second row.
England will be looking for a third win on the bounce after a 12-5 victory over France and a 77-0 win over Scotland earlier this year. The fixture is the last of the England’s U20s home fixtures ahead of their summer tour to America in July in the Nations Cup.
Bennett said: “Although we are delighted with two wins from our first two games, the most important aspect is the quality of performance. 24 of the 26 Under 20s squad members have had the opportunity to start against France or Scotland and we have seen individual progress as well as two very good, if different, team performances.
“The aim against Wales is to continue on that curve – focusing our attention on the essential technical and tactical elements that we’ve prioritised in training. The squad is also beginning to grow and although there is clearly competition for places, the players are clearly gelling and this bodes well for the Nations Cup.
“We have a mixed record against Wales, suffering one defeat last year. Certainly this represents one of our toughest games this season and we expect them to be well drilled, tenacious and unpredictable. Another win would be nice but another strong performance is what we are looking for. This would be the best platform from which we launch our Nations Cup campaign.”
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester, South West)
14 Katie Mason (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
13 Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West)
12 Louise Dennis (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands)
11 Rebecca Hughes (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East)
9 Charlotte Keane (Worcester, South West)
1 Emily Kingston (Gloucester, Gloucestershire, South West)
2 Geri Thomas (Old Albanian Saints, Hertfordshire, London & SE)
3 Mica Evans(Exeter Saracens, Devon,South West)
4 Fiona Fletcher (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
5 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North)
6 PoppyCleall (Bristol, Hampshire,South West)
7 Megan Oaten(Bristol, Gloucestershire, South West)
8 Harriet Mills (C) (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
Replacements:
16 Charlie Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West)
17 Daniker Willmore (Bristol, South West)
18 Alexandra Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & South East)
19 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
20 N/A
21 Leanne Riley (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands)
22 Georgia Peedle (Worcester, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
RFUW announce open trials for England Sevens squad
Fancy playing in the next Sevens World Cup - or maybe the Olympic Games? Well, now is your chance - but you had better be quick!
RFUW are organising open trials for a new national sevens squad, which will take place at Surrey Sports Park on 15th May. Any adult players (ie. aged 18 or over on the day) can attend - no previous membership of any regional, divisional or national squads or development groups is required - but you have to complete and return this form https://www.jotform.com/form/10660735368 by 7th May.
England are a year behind many countries in their preparations for the 2013 Sevens World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Countries from around the world started to concentrate their efforts on Sevens after last year's XVs World Cup. During the last Six Nations France selected players for their Sevens squad ahead of their XVs team, Netherlands recently announced that they will have a semi-professional squad from the end of this season, and Australia have said that they will be putting most of their efforts into Sevens over the next few years.
“This is a new and a very exciting initiative from the RFUW,” said Nicola Ponsford, the RFUW’s Head of Performance. “We think there are lots of players outside of our current system with huge amounts of talent who we’ve never seen before. Some of these players may only just have started playing at University or College for example but have the potential to become fantastic players. We really want anyone who has a good level of fitness to come along and show us what they can do. This really is a chance to unearth new talent.”
RFUW are organising open trials for a new national sevens squad, which will take place at Surrey Sports Park on 15th May. Any adult players (ie. aged 18 or over on the day) can attend - no previous membership of any regional, divisional or national squads or development groups is required - but you have to complete and return this form https://www.jotform.com/form/10660735368 by 7th May.
England are a year behind many countries in their preparations for the 2013 Sevens World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Countries from around the world started to concentrate their efforts on Sevens after last year's XVs World Cup. During the last Six Nations France selected players for their Sevens squad ahead of their XVs team, Netherlands recently announced that they will have a semi-professional squad from the end of this season, and Australia have said that they will be putting most of their efforts into Sevens over the next few years.
“This is a new and a very exciting initiative from the RFUW,” said Nicola Ponsford, the RFUW’s Head of Performance. “We think there are lots of players outside of our current system with huge amounts of talent who we’ve never seen before. Some of these players may only just have started playing at University or College for example but have the potential to become fantastic players. We really want anyone who has a good level of fitness to come along and show us what they can do. This really is a chance to unearth new talent.”
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Honours even at U15 Divisional Festival
The aim of the U15 Divisional Festival at Hartpury was not to find a winning Division, but to identify the best players in the country and allow them to play against each other. As a result all players in the squads were given an opportunity to play at least one game, if not more.
However, despite that, over the season as a whole London & SE finished with a reasonable claim to be one of, if not the, leading divisions. No side finished unbeaten over the weekend - L&SE lost their opening game to South West by 19-7, but in the second round South West lost to Midlands, who L&SE beat 17-0 in round three. With a 14-0 round two win over North 14-0, L&SE finished with the same record win-loss record as South West.
Details of individual performances and TDG selections have yet to be published, but the crucial win over Midlands was based around two tries from Hertfordshire's Sydney Gregson.
However, despite that, over the season as a whole London & SE finished with a reasonable claim to be one of, if not the, leading divisions. No side finished unbeaten over the weekend - L&SE lost their opening game to South West by 19-7, but in the second round South West lost to Midlands, who L&SE beat 17-0 in round three. With a 14-0 round two win over North 14-0, L&SE finished with the same record win-loss record as South West.
Details of individual performances and TDG selections have yet to be published, but the crucial win over Midlands was based around two tries from Hertfordshire's Sydney Gregson.
Monday, April 18, 2011
OA Saints retain their place at the top
Old Albanians RFC fought off Bath Ladies in the RFUW Premiership play-off match on Sunday to retain their place in the top flight for next season.
West Country side Bath were hoping to take the next step up the league ladder after winning the North versus South Championship 1 clash a week ago but they were unable to topple Old Albanians yesterday who triumphed 22-7.
Ange Wadham, Nadia Dickinson, Nicky Cameron and Elisha Dee all ran in for tries while Sarah McKenna added a conversion to take the victory. Emily Sherwood touched down for Bath’s only try with Aimee Young adding a conversion.
Old Albanians will now play the likes of Premiership winners Richmond, Wasps, Saracens and Worcester next season.
West Country side Bath were hoping to take the next step up the league ladder after winning the North versus South Championship 1 clash a week ago but they were unable to topple Old Albanians yesterday who triumphed 22-7.
Ange Wadham, Nadia Dickinson, Nicky Cameron and Elisha Dee all ran in for tries while Sarah McKenna added a conversion to take the victory. Emily Sherwood touched down for Bath’s only try with Aimee Young adding a conversion.
Old Albanians will now play the likes of Premiership winners Richmond, Wasps, Saracens and Worcester next season.
L&SE U18s sweep to Divisional title
 |
| Photo: Elaine Peedle |
Although they had first phase domination L&SE, could not break down the Midlands defence and the Midlands repeatedly were able to turn over possession and counter attack dangerously. At half time the score was still nil-nil.
The introduction of Claire Shutler in an unaccustomed role at fly half and Shira Kilgallon at centre gave the L&SE back line more impetus in the second half, and Claire was able to run through the Midland defence to score from 10m out and convert her own try to ease the L&SE nerves. The backs then began to play with more confidence and the domination of the forwards gave them good ball to continue attacking and get a second try.
In the other match the North defeated the South West 15-12 in a very close encounter.
The final table was:
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