Hertfordshire's Mica Evans, Georgia Peedle, and Leanne Riley - all now with Saracens - have been included in the 2012/13 England U20 team, announced today.
The team will play France, home and away, before taking part in the U20 Nations Cup, which returns to England for the first time since 2009.
Three other players with Hertfordshire connections - Hannah Gallagher, Maggie Alphonsi and Michaela Staniford - were also included in the Elite squad.
England coach Gary Street said: “The 2012/2013 season will unquestionably be one of the most demanding seasons ever. We have very comprehensive XVs and Sevens programmes in place as we build towards the World Cup in 2014 in France and also with the Sevens World Cup in 2013.”
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Hertfordshire's Michaela Staniford wins 50th cap
Hertfordshire's Michaela Staniford will win her 50th cap today when she plays for England v France in Paris.Michaela, who was born over the border in High Wycombe but first played when 13 at Rickmansworth School. Michaela said: “We competed at Sevens and I then joined Fullerians, the local team in Watford.
“Lee Parkin, my teacher, introduced me to rugby and put so much time and effort into the team"
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
RFUW looking to unearth new international Sevens talent
Following the success of last year’s England Women Open Sevens Trials, the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) will once again host open trials in April in a bid to unearth some new rugby talent.
12 months ago, 85 players attended the open trials and eight players, who had never played rugby for England before, were selected into the Elite Player Squad. England then went on to compete in five tournaments last year, picking up a championship win in the European Sevens and reaching the final of the inaugural Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup in Dubai.
With Rugby Sevens now on the Olympic agenda, with the sport set to make its debut in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Games, Rugby Sevens is going from strength to strength. This season there will be two further Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup Series in Hong Kong (March 23-24) and London (May 12-13) and there are plans afoot to establish an IRB Women’s Sevens World Series in time for the start of the 2012/13 season.
The England Sevens trials will be held on April 21st at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford and the trials are completely OPEN. You don’t need a huge amount of Sevens experience and players can be selected from both inside and outside of the current RFUW Performance Pathways. Those attending trials will be tested on their fitness, rugby skills and game play.
Nicola Ponsford, the RFUW’s Head of Performance, said: “We think there are 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 great level of fitness or rugby skills to come along and show us what they can do. This really is a chance to unearth new talent.”
If you’re selected into the Elite Player Squad or Sevens development pathway , you’ll receive strength and conditioning training, one-on-one coaching and the opportunity to train with England’s top sevens coaches. Plus, of course, represent your country in the England Sevens programme which this season will include the London Sevens, the European Women’s Sevens series and the 2013 WRWC Sevens Qualification tournament amongst other high profile championships.
To submit your application to attend the open trials go to https://secure.jotform.com/form/20522116373. Entries must be received by April 13th.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Gallagher and Staniford ready for Black Ferns
18 players from the England party that returned from last week's French tour on Sunday have been selected in the squad for the Black Fern tests, which start at the end of this month - including both Hannah Gallagher and Michaela Staniford of Hertfordshire. They will be joined by eight World Cup veterans who return to the colours - including Maggie Alphonsi, also of Hertfordshire.
England will take on their old rivals over two weeks with the first test kicking off at Twickenham Stadium on November 26th, kick off 5pm following the Australia versus Barbarians clash. The women’s rugby giants will then meet again on November 29th and December 3rd at Esher RFC. The two sides haven’t met since the Rugby World Cup final 14 months ago when New Zealand just edged out the host nations 13-10 in a thrilling final in front of a record breaking crowd, denying England their chance to lift the world cup crown again.
Hannah is one of only two of the five new caps who played against France to make the cut for the New Zealand series - Richmond's Alexandra Matthews is the other. Commenting on the selections, England coach Gary Street said:
“Barring a handful of injuries I have been able to select the core squad from last year’s Rugby World Cup. This means we have a lot of experience in the side as well as a lot of potential through our younger players. We have got some exciting new caps in Alexandra Matthews and Hannah Gallagher who did an excellent job against France and certainly did enough to cement their place in this squad.
“I am sure for our experienced players there is the matter of unfinished business against New Zealand. In the world cup final we didn’t play to our potential and I know the players will want to put that right against New Zealand in our first game at Twickenham Stadium.”
England head into the series on the back of a winning Six Nations and Nations Cup campaign while New Zealand have not played an international test match since being crowned world champions in 2010. Street, however, is not expecting anything less that another world class performance from the Black Ferns.
“New Zealand’s international record is second to none, they always turn up and I am not expecting anything less for this series,” added Street. “Like us they too have a strong world cup contingent in their squad as well as some young players, which is really going to set up this series to be a thriller.”
Full squad here
England will take on their old rivals over two weeks with the first test kicking off at Twickenham Stadium on November 26th, kick off 5pm following the Australia versus Barbarians clash. The women’s rugby giants will then meet again on November 29th and December 3rd at Esher RFC. The two sides haven’t met since the Rugby World Cup final 14 months ago when New Zealand just edged out the host nations 13-10 in a thrilling final in front of a record breaking crowd, denying England their chance to lift the world cup crown again.
Hannah is one of only two of the five new caps who played against France to make the cut for the New Zealand series - Richmond's Alexandra Matthews is the other. Commenting on the selections, England coach Gary Street said:
“Barring a handful of injuries I have been able to select the core squad from last year’s Rugby World Cup. This means we have a lot of experience in the side as well as a lot of potential through our younger players. We have got some exciting new caps in Alexandra Matthews and Hannah Gallagher who did an excellent job against France and certainly did enough to cement their place in this squad.
“I am sure for our experienced players there is the matter of unfinished business against New Zealand. In the world cup final we didn’t play to our potential and I know the players will want to put that right against New Zealand in our first game at Twickenham Stadium.”
England head into the series on the back of a winning Six Nations and Nations Cup campaign while New Zealand have not played an international test match since being crowned world champions in 2010. Street, however, is not expecting anything less that another world class performance from the Black Ferns.
“New Zealand’s international record is second to none, they always turn up and I am not expecting anything less for this series,” added Street. “Like us they too have a strong world cup contingent in their squad as well as some young players, which is really going to set up this series to be a thriller.”
Full squad here
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Latest: Gallagher wins England cap
Latest news from France. With 20 minutes left, and England leading 15-9 (thanks partly to a try from Michaela Staniford), Hannah Gallagher has just gone onto the field to win her first England cap - making her the first former Hertfordshire county junior to play for England (there were no county teams in Michaela's day).
Congratulations Hannah.
Congratulations Hannah.
- England eventually lost the test, thanks to a converted French try 12 minutes from the end. Final score - France 16, England 15.
- OA's Caroline Colley was also on international duty, kicking two penalties in Scotland's 33-10 win against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Friday, November 04, 2011
OAs host open training session for England Deaf Women's XV
History will be made on Sunday when OAs will host the first ever training and selection session for an England Dead Women's XV. The training is open to all deaf and hard of hearing female players who believe they have the potential to play for England.
Players are eligible to play for the England Deaf side if they have a combined average hearing loss of 25dB or more in both ears This roughly translates to a minimum hearing loss in both ears or a moderate hearing loss in one ear but can hear normally in the other.
EDRU can offer Deaf Awareness advice to clubs and schools Integrate Deaf and Hard of Hearing players to clubs and liaise with club members to ensure the players are managed correctly.
Further details can be obtained from Tony Stoyles, director of rugby of the England Deaf Rugby Union, at edru@btinternet.com
Players are eligible to play for the England Deaf side if they have a combined average hearing loss of 25dB or more in both ears This roughly translates to a minimum hearing loss in both ears or a moderate hearing loss in one ear but can hear normally in the other.
EDRU can offer Deaf Awareness advice to clubs and schools Integrate Deaf and Hard of Hearing players to clubs and liaise with club members to ensure the players are managed correctly.
Further details can be obtained from Tony Stoyles, director of rugby of the England Deaf Rugby Union, at edru@btinternet.com
Monday, October 31, 2011
Gallagher in starting line up for England
Hertfordshire's England U20 star Hannah Gallagher will have a chance to prove herself at the highest level on Wednesday when she starts for the senior England team against France in Marseilles.The game is actually an uncapped friendly - effectively "An England XV v France" - but a good performance could win the county's young flanker a full cap if she is also picked for the full test on Saturday - and after that maybe the series against New Zealand as well. Hertfordshire's Michaela Staniford also starts.
The squad for these two games is very young and experimental, and the French have also taken the opportunity to pick some of their rising stars - including a teenage fly-half who is still at school - so we could be looking at what the national sides will look like in 3-4 years time.
Meanwhile on Sunday a third Herts player also gets an international warm-up. OAs Caroline Colley will be playing in a slightly unusual centre position for Scotland against Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Hertfordshire's Geri selected for senior England squad
Hertfordshire and Wasps hooker Geraldine Thomas has been called up to the England Women’s Elite Playing Squad (EPS) for the 2011/2012 season. She replaces Richmond hooker Emma Croker who has withdrawn from the squad this season for personal reasons.Geri began her rugby at Fullerians, where she was when first selected for East Region, later moving to Welwyn. She was also a regular in junior Hertfordshire teams.
Geri played regular England Under 20s rugby last season and will now join the EPS squad who will contest a three test series against New Zealand this autumn as well as the RBS 6 Nations.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Herts' Hannah hits hat-trick as England retain U20 Nations Cup
England Women Under 20s lifted the Nations Cup crown on Saturday night after a 48-11 victory over hosts the USA in Santa Barbara with Hertfordshire flanker Hannah Gallagher once again in the thick of the action scoring a hat-trick, and finishing the tournament the leading scorer with eight tries. The Final victory also saw England cap a tremendous season which has seen England beat every other U20 team in the world - USA, Canada, South Africa, Wales, Scotland and France.
England U20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “This is a fantastic result not just for all the U20s players but for England Rugby. Since the squad came together in October we have made significant improvements in our game and these have culminated in a great team performance and winning the 2011 Nations Cup.
“Against the USA, we were outstanding in the first 40 playing at the tempo and in the style we had planned. But after the break the USA were ferocious, coming out with a desire to restore pride and put points on the board. Their physical approach really tested us and it showed in the second-half score-line.
“We have beaten every team we have faced this year which is a wonderful achievement. The true test now for each of these players is not just to enjoy this moment but to build on this success and take their game to the next level.”
England started at a furious pace and put their marker down early on. England were already two tries up after 15 minutes when Hannah scored her first try, stepping her way through America’s defence to cross the line under the posts in an excellent display of power and pace. Amber Reed this time added the conversion.
Herts' hero's second came early in the second half when Charlotte Keane took a quick tap penalty before offloading to Hannah, who broke through the midfield and then America’s last line of defence to score her second. Then, from the final play of the game, Amber Reed ran hard to break America’s defensive line and although she was stopped just short of the try-line she managed to offload to Hannah who then completed her hat-trick. With Reed adding the conversion England took the final 48-11 victory and the Nations Cup crown.
A full video recording of the game can be found here.
England U20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “This is a fantastic result not just for all the U20s players but for England Rugby. Since the squad came together in October we have made significant improvements in our game and these have culminated in a great team performance and winning the 2011 Nations Cup.
“Against the USA, we were outstanding in the first 40 playing at the tempo and in the style we had planned. But after the break the USA were ferocious, coming out with a desire to restore pride and put points on the board. Their physical approach really tested us and it showed in the second-half score-line.
“We have beaten every team we have faced this year which is a wonderful achievement. The true test now for each of these players is not just to enjoy this moment but to build on this success and take their game to the next level.”
England started at a furious pace and put their marker down early on. England were already two tries up after 15 minutes when Hannah scored her first try, stepping her way through America’s defence to cross the line under the posts in an excellent display of power and pace. Amber Reed this time added the conversion.
Herts' hero's second came early in the second half when Charlotte Keane took a quick tap penalty before offloading to Hannah, who broke through the midfield and then America’s last line of defence to score her second. Then, from the final play of the game, Amber Reed ran hard to break America’s defensive line and although she was stopped just short of the try-line she managed to offload to Hannah who then completed her hat-trick. With Reed adding the conversion England took the final 48-11 victory and the Nations Cup crown.
A full video recording of the game can be found here.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Herts girls at core of "best women's U20 team - ever!"
There can be no doubt - England have the best Women's U20 rugby team in the world, and Hertfordshire's quartet have been at the heart of that triumph. Last night (well, it kicked off midnight our time, so really early this morning) they beat South Africa 66-7, thus completing an unprecedented clean sweep - beating every other national women's U20 team in the world in the space of just under six months. The match was webcast live last night - but can be watched starting here (for technical reasons its in several parts. After you've watch Part One, subsequent parts can be found on the right of the screen).
Hertfordshire's Hannah Gallagher opened the scoring within the first five minutes, after which England stumbled slightly - and even went behind. However, after Herts' Georgia Peedle went over for her team's fourth try near the end of the first half the floodgates began to open.
This world-beating squad has one more game together, on Saturday evening (Sunday around 1am our time) before they go their separate ways - many, perhaps, to the senior team.
But for now, let's salute the best U20 team women's rugby has ever seen!
RFU Report:
England Women Under 20s will face host nation, the USA, in Saturday’s Nations Cup Final after defeating South Africa with a comprehensive 66-7 victory on Wednesday night in Santa Barbara.
England ran in a massive 12 tries with Hannah Gallagher, Georgia Peedle and Alexandra Matthews claiming braces of tries. South Africa, however, became the first team in the tournament to put any points on England with fullback Phindile Mtshali claiming their one and only try.
Now England will face the Eagles on Saturday hoping to repeat their earlier victory over the USA in the tournament which saw England running out 37-0 winners.
England U20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “Naturally we are delighted to be in the Nations Cup final and winning three from three games has generated huge confidence in the squad. We put 66 points on a South African team that quite simply did not give up. They chased and tackled to the final whistle and forced us into several errors, not least tactical mistakes.
“There is as much to be learned from this game as the wins over Canada and the USA. We competed very well at the scrum but still need to show more composure when faced with try scoring opportunities.
“We will prepare for the final against the USA with a more clinical approach to ball retention and use of space. Despite the score lines no game has been easy this year and we will certainly expect the USA to be at full tilt on Saturday.
“There are also a number of selection dilemmas as so many players have put in strong individual performances but, as a coach, this is a great position to be in.”
In a physical game which England generally dominated the Red Roses showed good discipline and patience to score their 12 tries. It took just two minutes for Gallagher, who continues her run of scoring in every England U20s game this season, to register her first try.
South Africa were penalised with a penalty for holding on and a quick tap penalty by scrum half Charlotte Keane saw her set-up the Saracens flanker to drive over and score. Fly half Emily Scott couldn’t make the conversion.
The Springboks immediately bounced back with a seventh minute try of their own thanks to full back Mtshali which was converted by fly half Mpho Moloto handing South Africa a 7-5 lead after as many minutes.
England, however, reasserted their dominance on 21 minutes with Bristol centre Amy Wilson Hardy making her mark. No. 10 Scott helped set-up the score with a nice pass to Wilson Hardy who flew through South Africa’s defence to score relatively unopposed. This time Scott added the conversion to hand England a 12-7 lead.
No. 8 Poppy Cleall claimed England’s third try with a typical forwards move with saw her crash over the try line after a period of sustained pressure, with Georgia Peedle then adding another try to make the score 22-7. Two further tries for Lucy Demaine and Scott put England into a comfortable 34-7 lead at half time.
After the break South Africa struggled to combat a forceful England, with the tries coming in thick and fast.
London Irish’s Matthews, who had an excellent game coming off the bench, scored within three minutes of being on the pitch. After some more sustained pressure by England Scott made the move and passed the ball out to No. 8 Matthews who stepped inside South Africa’s defence to score.
Rebecca Hughes then added England’s eighth touchdown. A good scrum and then some good handling by the entire England backline saw Hughes score, which was quickly followed by a 60th Fiona Davidson try.
Gallagher’s second try came in the 75th minute when Matthews broke through the midfield. She was tackled but Gallagher was in support and she scored under the posts extending England’s lead to 56-7.
Matthews was then back in the thick of the action with her second touchdown as she picked the ball up from the base of the scrum and broke through a number of tackles to score.
Worcester wing Georgia Peedle had the final word for England with a 79th minute try and her second making the final score 66-7.
Match action from the Nations Cup is available on http://www.ustream.tv/usarugby.
England U20s
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester Reds, Gloucestershire, North), 14 Georgia Peedle (Worcester, Hertfordshire, London & SE), 13 Amy Wilson Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West), 12 Natasha Jones (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands), 11 Lucy Demaine (Bristol, Devon, South West), 10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East), 9 Charlotte Keane (Worcester, South West), 1 Millie Fuggles (Old Albanian Saints, Leicestershire, Midlands), 2 Charlotte Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West), 3 Sarah George (Bristol, Devon, South West), 4 Ellie Gatlin (Rochford Hundred, Essex, London & South East), 5 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North), 6 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East), 7 Megan Oaten (Thornbury, Dorset & Wilts, South West), 8 Poppy Cleall (Bristol, Hampshire, South West), Replacements: 16 Emily Kingston ((Gloucester Reds, Gloucestershire, South West), 17 Mica Evans (Exeter Saracens, Devon, South West), 18 Harriet Mills (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands), 19 Alex Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & SE), 20 Fiona Davidson (Richmond, Surrey, London & South East), 21 Amber Reed (Bristol, Somerset/Devon, South West), 22 Rebecca Hughes (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
Tries: Gallagher (2), Wilson Hardy, Cleall, Peedle (2), Demaine, E Scott, Matthews (2). Hughes, Davidson
Conversions: E. Scott (3)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Hughes for Roberts (22), Matthews for Cleall (42), Davidson for Keane (45), Evans for George (51), Reed for Scott (51)
Hertfordshire's Hannah Gallagher opened the scoring within the first five minutes, after which England stumbled slightly - and even went behind. However, after Herts' Georgia Peedle went over for her team's fourth try near the end of the first half the floodgates began to open.
This world-beating squad has one more game together, on Saturday evening (Sunday around 1am our time) before they go their separate ways - many, perhaps, to the senior team.
But for now, let's salute the best U20 team women's rugby has ever seen!
RFU Report:
England Women Under 20s will face host nation, the USA, in Saturday’s Nations Cup Final after defeating South Africa with a comprehensive 66-7 victory on Wednesday night in Santa Barbara.
England ran in a massive 12 tries with Hannah Gallagher, Georgia Peedle and Alexandra Matthews claiming braces of tries. South Africa, however, became the first team in the tournament to put any points on England with fullback Phindile Mtshali claiming their one and only try.
Now England will face the Eagles on Saturday hoping to repeat their earlier victory over the USA in the tournament which saw England running out 37-0 winners.
England U20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “Naturally we are delighted to be in the Nations Cup final and winning three from three games has generated huge confidence in the squad. We put 66 points on a South African team that quite simply did not give up. They chased and tackled to the final whistle and forced us into several errors, not least tactical mistakes.
“There is as much to be learned from this game as the wins over Canada and the USA. We competed very well at the scrum but still need to show more composure when faced with try scoring opportunities.
“We will prepare for the final against the USA with a more clinical approach to ball retention and use of space. Despite the score lines no game has been easy this year and we will certainly expect the USA to be at full tilt on Saturday.
“There are also a number of selection dilemmas as so many players have put in strong individual performances but, as a coach, this is a great position to be in.”
In a physical game which England generally dominated the Red Roses showed good discipline and patience to score their 12 tries. It took just two minutes for Gallagher, who continues her run of scoring in every England U20s game this season, to register her first try.
South Africa were penalised with a penalty for holding on and a quick tap penalty by scrum half Charlotte Keane saw her set-up the Saracens flanker to drive over and score. Fly half Emily Scott couldn’t make the conversion.
The Springboks immediately bounced back with a seventh minute try of their own thanks to full back Mtshali which was converted by fly half Mpho Moloto handing South Africa a 7-5 lead after as many minutes.
England, however, reasserted their dominance on 21 minutes with Bristol centre Amy Wilson Hardy making her mark. No. 10 Scott helped set-up the score with a nice pass to Wilson Hardy who flew through South Africa’s defence to score relatively unopposed. This time Scott added the conversion to hand England a 12-7 lead.
No. 8 Poppy Cleall claimed England’s third try with a typical forwards move with saw her crash over the try line after a period of sustained pressure, with Georgia Peedle then adding another try to make the score 22-7. Two further tries for Lucy Demaine and Scott put England into a comfortable 34-7 lead at half time.
After the break South Africa struggled to combat a forceful England, with the tries coming in thick and fast.
London Irish’s Matthews, who had an excellent game coming off the bench, scored within three minutes of being on the pitch. After some more sustained pressure by England Scott made the move and passed the ball out to No. 8 Matthews who stepped inside South Africa’s defence to score.
Rebecca Hughes then added England’s eighth touchdown. A good scrum and then some good handling by the entire England backline saw Hughes score, which was quickly followed by a 60th Fiona Davidson try.
Gallagher’s second try came in the 75th minute when Matthews broke through the midfield. She was tackled but Gallagher was in support and she scored under the posts extending England’s lead to 56-7.
Matthews was then back in the thick of the action with her second touchdown as she picked the ball up from the base of the scrum and broke through a number of tackles to score.
Worcester wing Georgia Peedle had the final word for England with a 79th minute try and her second making the final score 66-7.
Match action from the Nations Cup is available on http://www.ustream.tv/usarugby.
England U20s
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester Reds, Gloucestershire, North), 14 Georgia Peedle (Worcester, Hertfordshire, London & SE), 13 Amy Wilson Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West), 12 Natasha Jones (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands), 11 Lucy Demaine (Bristol, Devon, South West), 10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East), 9 Charlotte Keane (Worcester, South West), 1 Millie Fuggles (Old Albanian Saints, Leicestershire, Midlands), 2 Charlotte Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West), 3 Sarah George (Bristol, Devon, South West), 4 Ellie Gatlin (Rochford Hundred, Essex, London & South East), 5 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North), 6 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East), 7 Megan Oaten (Thornbury, Dorset & Wilts, South West), 8 Poppy Cleall (Bristol, Hampshire, South West), Replacements: 16 Emily Kingston ((Gloucester Reds, Gloucestershire, South West), 17 Mica Evans (Exeter Saracens, Devon, South West), 18 Harriet Mills (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands), 19 Alex Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & SE), 20 Fiona Davidson (Richmond, Surrey, London & South East), 21 Amber Reed (Bristol, Somerset/Devon, South West), 22 Rebecca Hughes (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
Tries: Gallagher (2), Wilson Hardy, Cleall, Peedle (2), Demaine, E Scott, Matthews (2). Hughes, Davidson
Conversions: E. Scott (3)
Penalties:
Substitutions: Hughes for Roberts (22), Matthews for Cleall (42), Davidson for Keane (45), Evans for George (51), Reed for Scott (51)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Gallagher brace sees off Canada
Hertfordshire and Saracens’ Hannah Gallagher ran in two tries as England began their defence of the U20 Nations Cup with a convincing 41-0 win over Canada.
England Under 20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “The aim for this opening match was not just to win but to make a statement of intent. We wanted to demonstrate that we have built on the success of our spring games and improved in many areas, not least our defence. Our midfield and back row worked extremely well together to turn possession over.”
However it was Hannah's county colleague, and Old Albanians hooker, Geri Thomas who drove through the Canadian centre to set up the first try, the ball being taken on by fly half Jones. Despite taking a crunching tackle she retained possession and crashed over under the posts.
Gallagher opened her scoring when she touched down for England’s fourth try at the end of the first half, doubling her total 13 minutes into the second half with she was again at the heart of the action. An excellent drive by Mason down the right wing saw the winger come close, only for Hannah - in support - to muscle her way over the line from three metres out.
Hannah was rested after 70 minutes, England going on to win by 41-0.
England Under 20s Head Coach Amanda Bennett said: “The aim for this opening match was not just to win but to make a statement of intent. We wanted to demonstrate that we have built on the success of our spring games and improved in many areas, not least our defence. Our midfield and back row worked extremely well together to turn possession over.”
However it was Hannah's county colleague, and Old Albanians hooker, Geri Thomas who drove through the Canadian centre to set up the first try, the ball being taken on by fly half Jones. Despite taking a crunching tackle she retained possession and crashed over under the posts.
Gallagher opened her scoring when she touched down for England’s fourth try at the end of the first half, doubling her total 13 minutes into the second half with she was again at the heart of the action. An excellent drive by Mason down the right wing saw the winger come close, only for Hannah - in support - to muscle her way over the line from three metres out.
Hannah was rested after 70 minutes, England going on to win by 41-0.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Herts quartet off to California
They join Hannah Gallagher (Saracens) and Geri Thomas (OA Saints) in the 26 player party that will be seeking to retain the trophy that England won back in 2009. And they will find one other familiar face in the team, as Emily Scott (who now plays for Essex) played much of her junior rugby alongside them at Welwyn.
The tournament, which also includes the USA, Canada and South Africa will take place between the July 14- 23 at the University of California, Santa Barbara - and all the matches can be watched LIVE, here, via free webcasts from USA Rugby (in association with YSC). However, the time difference will mean an early start - England's first game, against Canada, kicks off at midnight (UK time) on the evening of 14th/15th July.
Live Video of England v Canada (kick off at midnight 15/7/11 (UK time))
The England Women’s U20 side has enjoyed a successful season with wins over Wales (32-19), Scotland (77-0) and France (12-5) but are expecting a tournament with three very physical encounters.
Amanda Bennett, England Women’s Under 20 Head Coach, said: "We want to be up front and say that we want to go to the Nations Cup and win it but we have no doubt how hard that is going to be.
"We are not taking any of these games lightly, it will be fierce. We know that we will be facing extremely fit and physical opposition. There are no performance guarantees when it comes to this tournament.
"The USA and Canada have a history of producing incredible athletes and South Africa has dedicated time and resources in recent years to developing the women’s game."
Monday, May 23, 2011
OA's Sarah McKenna promoted to England Elite
OAs fly-half Sarah McKenna is one step closer to a full England cap today after it was announced that she has been selected as part of a 34-player England Elite Player Squad (EPS) for the 2011/12 season.Sarah, who has appeared regularly for England A over the past two seasons after a career with the England U20s, will have plenty of opportunities as it was also announced that England will have a "strengthened international programme which will see them compete in not only the RBS 6 Nations but more regular and competitive fixtures against their European and Southern Hemisphere rivals throughout the season."
She will be joined in the squad by Hertfordshire and Saracen's Maggie Alphonsi.
Hannah Gallagher and Georgia Peedle have also been reselected for the England U20 squad.
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)
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.”
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Herts player a hat-trick hero as England U20s destroy Scotland
Saracens and Hertfordshire's Hannah Gallagher came off the bench for England U20s to take Scotland apart in the first ever international between the two sides. Hannah scored a hat-trick as England romped home to a 77-0 triumph at Gosforth on Saturday evening.
Hannah came on mid-way through the first half, with England already 12-0 ahead. She was soon on the scoreboard for her first two tries touching down on 28 and 32 minutes respectively, before scrum half Keane rounded off the first half proceedings for England. With Scott adding two further conversions England led 43-0 going into the break.
The one way traffic continued after the restart with Gallagher again taking the spoils, this time after some good continuity work by the forwards. After Hertfordshire's Geri Thomas joined Hannah on the field after 51 minutes four more tries soon followed from other members of the England team to give the home side a resounding win.
The U20s now go on to play Wales next month, before preparing to defend the Nations Cup in the USA during the summer.
Hannah came on mid-way through the first half, with England already 12-0 ahead. She was soon on the scoreboard for her first two tries touching down on 28 and 32 minutes respectively, before scrum half Keane rounded off the first half proceedings for England. With Scott adding two further conversions England led 43-0 going into the break.
The one way traffic continued after the restart with Gallagher again taking the spoils, this time after some good continuity work by the forwards. After Hertfordshire's Geri Thomas joined Hannah on the field after 51 minutes four more tries soon followed from other members of the England team to give the home side a resounding win.
The U20s now go on to play Wales next month, before preparing to defend the Nations Cup in the USA during the summer.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Two Herts women selected for England U20s
OA Saint's Geri Thomas joins Saracens' Hannah Gallagher in the 22 for the first ever U20 international between England and Scotland, to be played at Gosforth on Saturday (6pm kick-off).
England U20 coach Amanda Bennett has made 10 changes to the starting team that beat against France two weeks ago, taking the opportunity of the Scots game to give the rest of her squad game time. As a result Hannah drops to the bench where she is joined by Geri, who was unavailable for the first game.
The full team is:
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester, South West)
14 Katie Mason (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
13 Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West)
12 Ceri Large (Worcester, South West)
11 Lucy Demaine (Bristol, Devon, South West)
10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East)
9 Charlotte Keane (VC) (Worcester, South West)
1 Daniker Willmore (Bristol, South West)
2 Charlie Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West)
3 SarahGeorge (Bristol, South West)
4 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North)
5 Fiona Fletcher (C) (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
6 Kayleigh Callaway-Bawden (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West)
7 Megan Oaten(Bristol, Gloucestershire, South West)
8 Alexandra Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & South East)
Replacements:
16 Geri Thomas (OA Saints, Hertfordshire, London & SE)
17 Emily Kingston (Gloucester, Gloucestershire, South West)
18 Harriet Mills (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
19 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
20 Fiona Davidson (Richmond, Surrey, London & South East)
21 Natasha Jones (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
22 Leanne Riley (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands)
England U20 coach Amanda Bennett has made 10 changes to the starting team that beat against France two weeks ago, taking the opportunity of the Scots game to give the rest of her squad game time. As a result Hannah drops to the bench where she is joined by Geri, who was unavailable for the first game.
The full team is:
15 Rachel Roberts (Gloucester, South West)
14 Katie Mason (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
13 Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West)
12 Ceri Large (Worcester, South West)
11 Lucy Demaine (Bristol, Devon, South West)
10 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East)
9 Charlotte Keane (VC) (Worcester, South West)
1 Daniker Willmore (Bristol, South West)
2 Charlie Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West)
3 SarahGeorge (Bristol, South West)
4 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North)
5 Fiona Fletcher (C) (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
6 Kayleigh Callaway-Bawden (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West)
7 Megan Oaten(Bristol, Gloucestershire, South West)
8 Alexandra Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & South East)
Replacements:
16 Geri Thomas (OA Saints, Hertfordshire, London & SE)
17 Emily Kingston (Gloucester, Gloucestershire, South West)
18 Harriet Mills (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
19 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
20 Fiona Davidson (Richmond, Surrey, London & South East)
21 Natasha Jones (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
22 Leanne Riley (Worcester, North Midlands, Midlands)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Gallagher scores match-winner in England U20 triumph
Hertfordshire's Hannah Gallagher scored the vital try that finally finished off the French in England U20s game at Worcester today. At the end of a tense encounter, Hannah - who the RFU report describe as a "powerhouse flanker, who enjoyed a storming game" - took advantage of a quickly taken England penalty to "barge her way over the try-line to score the decisive touchdown".
A full report is on the RFU website.
A full report is on the RFU website.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Gallagher in England U20s team v France
Hannah, who learnt her game at Welwyn, now plays for Saracens and London & SE Division and is the county's only representative in a squad that is dominated by players from the South West. However, many of the names will be familiar opponents at club level for many Hertfordshire women and girls.
The full team is:
15 Lucy Demaine (Bristol, Devon, South West)
14 Katie Mason (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
13 Amber Reed (Bristol, Somerset/Devon, South West)
12 Ceri Large (Worcester, Gloucestershire, South West)
11 Rebecca Hughes (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
10 Natasha Jones(Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
9 Fiona Davidson (Richmond, Surrey,London & South East)
1 Emily Kingston (Gloucester, Gloucestershire, South West)
2 Daniker Willmore (Bristol, Somerset, South West)
3 SarahGeorge (Bristol, Devon, South West)
4 Ellen Gattlin (Rochford Hundred, Essex, London & South East)
5 Fiona Fletcher (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
6 Hannah Gallagher (Saracens, Hertfordshire, London & South East)
7 Kayleigh Callaway-Bawden (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall South West)
8 Harriet Mills (C) (Lichfield, Staffordshire, Midlands)
Replacements:
16 Charlie Notman (Newquay Hornets (Queen Bees), Cornwall, South West)
17 Mica Evans(Exeter Saracens, Devon,South West)
18 Abbie Scott (Keswick, Cumbria,North)
19 Alexandra Matthews (London Irish, Surrey, London & South East)
20 Charlotte Keane (Worcester, Gloucestershire, South West)
21 Emily Scott (Thurrock, Essex, London & South East)
22 Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol, Sussex, South West)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Hertfordshire's Six Nations stars
 |
| Amy Garnett (Saracens & England) |
 |
| Caroline Collie (OA Saints & Scotland) |
Three players from Hertfordshire clubs are in their national squads for the Women's Six Nations.
Established England stars Amy Garnett and Maggie Alphonsi began the tournament by helping England to a 19-0 win over Wales at Cross Keys, but it was Caroline Collie who kicked off the tournament when she played for Scotland against France.
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| Sarah McKenna (OA Saints & England A) |
 |
| Maggie Alphonsi (Saracens & England) |
The OA Saints full-back only made her international debut (against Spain) in January, but she is already being hailed as one of the most promising additions to the Scottish squad - her performances attracting the attention of rugby writers - including this report in last week's Scotsman.
In addition Old Albanians fly-half, 21 year old Sarah McKenna (left), has been selected for England A squad.
Sarah began her rugby with Harpenden minis, before moving on to Scorpions and then Fullerians Girls'. She also played for the East Region and Hertfordshire's girls teams.
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