OA Saints Looking Good!

There was great excitement at Old Albanians RFC recently due to the ladies team, best known as the OA Saints, attending the official launch of their new 7s touring kit.  The kit was won as a competition prize after Kate Barnes submitted the winning tiebreaker:

''Our team should be models for the TRU/London College of Fashions Women's Range:
because the OA saints are happy and the OA saints are free. The OA Saints are happy when the opposition flee. We smash and crash, our wingers dash until we score a try. We are a bunch athletes that would never eat a pie! We play at premiership level, against the best players in the world. Our battered bodies have seen better days, we still give those Saracens boys a sexy twirl ''

The OA Saints worked in partnership with TRU Sportswear and the London College of Fashion BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear course to develop the kit specially engineered to fit the female form. The shirts have been styled to include tailored necklines, longer length of shirts (to prevent riding up during play), bust fit, smaller arm hole sizing and new ladies fit ‘SXY’ shorts that include lycra undershorts as part of the design. Kate Barnes, submitter of the winning entry commented “It was an awesome experience for us to be involved in shaping the new TRU kit. As a ladies rugby team we know how our kit needs to perform and now we have played in it we absolutely love it! It’s great to see TRU getting behind ladies rugby and supporting the game with specific ladies fit kit. It means there is now more choice for female rugby players!”.

OA Saints have used their new kit already, at recent Bournemouth, Manchester and Solstice 7s competitions. If you are interested in playing for OA Saints they train on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.15 at the Old Albanian Rugby Club on Harpenden Road, or contact oasaints@gmail.com for more information. Or if you want to see the kit in action it will next be worn by the team at Southwold Beach 7s on 28th July.

OA U15s play on 1st team pitch for first time

U15 girls rugby: Junior Saints win against Wootton School 27-22

Wednesday evening at Old Albanains RFC saw the first ever evening match between the U15 girls and a school team, held at the club, and the girls played on the 1st team pitch!

All the senior women were there to cheer the girls on in a very competitive match.

Interestingly the school team had been coached by Emma Nichol, Captain of the Saints 2nd XV, while the junior Saints have been coached by the club's own Jane Everett, a former Saint and former England player. Jane also holds a winners medal from when the England women won the the Rugby World Cup in 1994.

The junior Saints were Captained by Hayley Everett who has also played for the Herts County team and is currently in the RFUW London & SE Divisional team. Hayley took up rugby when she was 11 years old. We wonder if her rugby talent is hereditary as her aunt Cath Everett is also a former Saint and used to play for England A team. Clearly a player to watch.

Captain Hayley Everett said, “ Both teams really enjoyed themselves because it was a very competitive match reflected in the close final score of 27-22 to the Saints. All the junior Saints played well and brought all the hours of training on the park to fruition. We are delighted that Wooton School would like to make this a regular fixture. .”

OA Saints win new kit, designed especially for them!!

There was great excitement at Old Albanians RFC recently due to the ladies team, best known as the OA Saints, winning  a competition! The winning entry was sent in by player Kate Barnes and the prize is a new kit designed specifically for women by TRU Sportswear  http://www.trusportswear.com ,working with students from  London College of Fashion BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear, course. The students, their tutor Claudine Rousseau and TRU Sportswear Product Development & Sales Manager, Corne du Rand, visited the players at the club. The evening was spent looking at designs, materials, colours and most importantly how rugby kit can be made to suit the female form and fit comfortably during the playing of this very physical sport.

 Kate Barnes who wrote the winning tie breaker said,
 ''This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a leading specialist teamwear company TRU Sportswear and  London College of Fashion BA (Hons) Fashion Sportswear students, to design a kit that our players feel comfortable and dare I say, sexy in! As a squad that fields two strong ladies teams with our 1stXV in the Premiership, the kit we play in has a massive impact on our performance on the pitch.

"The kit we play in for league fixtures has to be inline with the club colours which we are proud to wear as OA rugby players representing the club at the highest level possible. We are a very social team and during the off season we attend many 7s and 10s tournaments so collectively we felt designing a touring kit would give the fashion students more scope and flare to come up with a unique design. Personally I feel this can only bring the Saints closer together as a team as well as attracting experienced and new players.
Promoting womens rugby to young girls who may be unsure of the sport is always a focus of the Saints as they are our future. By doing this in a way that shows them rugby girls are still feminine behind all that mud I feel is a good approach ''.

OA Saints would like to thank TRU Sportswear and  London College of Fashion for this fantastic opportunity. We are all looking forward to seeing the new design, the fitting session, taking part in the fashion show launch and the most exciting part of all, playing in the new kit!

OA Saints say "We want you"!

OA Saints are looking for ambitious and experienced players to join our developing Premiership 1st XV.

As a club we have enjoyed over 20 years of success and are now extremely excited about moving forward in the forthcoming season. Last year was a tough but enjoyable first term in the premiership with a lot of lessons learnt and we are now looking to build on a strong finish to the season which saw some close league matches and an impressive win against Bath in the playoff game. We are committed to cementing our place in the Premiership and developing into one of the top women’s rugby teams in the country.

Many of the steps to establishing that goal are now in place. We have phenomenal training facilities, a new focused coaching panel, an excellent medical and fitness team and number of young exciting players determined to make an impact on English game.

With a large squad fielding two league teams and a team of 4 fantastic coaches, the 2011/2012 season looks set to be our most exciting yet!


What we can offer
Premiership rugby at one of the countries premier amateur sports facilities
Train under our new coaching team for the 2011/12 season overseen by Paul Gustard (Saracens Forwards & Defence Coach)
Two weekly squad training sessions
Additional weekly S&C session run by our dedicated S&C coach in the fully equipped Saracens gym (on site)
A chance to play and develop alongside several current and ex international players.
Opportunity to gain valuable Premiership game time experience,.
Fully qualified and extensive medical team of physiotherapists, osteopaths, sports masseurs and InterX therapist and homeopath
Free sports massage and initial osteopathy treatments
Preferential treatment rates from our medical team of physiotherapists, osteopaths and our alternative therapist
Fully funded travel to all away games!

Training
Monday 7.15-9pm-Recovery & skills
Tuesday 7.30-9pm-S&C sessions
Wednesday 7.15-9pm-Skills & Match Preparation

Open Training-Wednesday nights 7.15-9pm

We invite you to come and try us out. Please come along to one of our training sessions where you are able to meet the coaching team, the players and see the first rate facilities on offer at OA Saints WRFC.

Please feel free to just turn up, or confirm your attendance by emailing Hannah Cox, our Club Captain, on oasaints@gmail.com

Located in St Albans, Hertfordshire we can be reached easily from the M25, M1 & A1. We are the only premiership team in the home counties and are home to players from Greater London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk.

*** Promotional articles from any other clubs in Hertfordshire are welcome. Please send them to the editor.***

OA Saints appoint new coach - and plan for new season

OA Saints new coaching team, 4 coaches and a dedicated s&c coach, led by Stuart McKintyre, was delighted when Paul Gustard (England, Barbarians, Saracens, Leicester Tigers London Irish), who is currently a coach for the Men In Black, offered to help with the coaching plan to get the OA Saints , the Premiership womens rugby team, ready for the challenging season ahead.

Stuart, Captain Leah Carey and ex Chairwoman and player, Tasha Saint Smith spent two hours planning strategies, game plans and coaching sessions with the experienced Gustard.

Stuart said "having Sarah McKenna (England), Geri Thomas (England U20), Esther Weils (France U20) and other ex-International players on the squad, we have to make sure that the coaching plan will continue to interest and develop these talented players and develop those other players who are knocking on England's door."

Anyone interested in playing for either of the Saints 2 teams should contact Club Captain Hannah Cox on hannah.cox@oarugby.com. Saints also plan to have U13, U15 and U18 girls teams developing. Training for all female rugby is on Wednesday evenings from 7pm.

Tasha’s a top volunteer in St Albans

From RFU.com

Old Albanians stalwart Tasha Saint-Smith has been named Volunteer of the Year in the 2011 City and District of St Albans Sports Awards.

Tasha, the RFUW premiership club’s captain and chairwoman for a number of years, was nominated in the over-21s’ volunteer category for Service to Sport by Amanda Bate, her recent successor as club chair and the Herts RFU county volunteer co-ordinator.

In her citation, Amanda Bate said: "Tasha has played for Old Albanians Saints for 12 years and while being a player has attended training twice a week, sometimes strength and conditioning training, a match each week and worked during the day, yet always found time to dedicate herself to her team.

"She was secretary for one year, pitch captain for two, club captain for four and chair for the past five years. Now she is stepping down but will continue to play, and the Saints would like to see her honoured for all her hard work and dedication which has got them to where they are now."

During Tasha’s 12 years with the club she facilitated the move from the St Albans club to Old Albanians RFC, without which the Saints could not have realised the dream of playing in the RFUW Premiership league, which they entered last season.

This provides a pathway for girls who can play rugby with boys up until the age of 12 and then need an all girls team, so Tasha's hard work means that girls can begin playing at six years and move up through the age groups, then into Under-15 and U18 teams, the women's 2nd team and if they have the talent and determination, the women's first team and Premiership rugby. This also provides the pathway to elite rugby and finally the England team.

"Tasha had to bring down the inevitable barriers women in sport encounter when they take part in a sport which has for a very long time been a male dominated one," Amanda added. "With tact and diplomacy and a little bit of shoving, she has changed many men’s perceptions about women's rugby and now OAs accept it and support it. We are the only Hertfordshire club with two women’s teams and the only one in the Premiership."

Tasha, who works at Tring School, has also formed good school-club links around girls rugby within the school sports partnership, and formed recruitment links with the women's team at the University of Hertfordshire, and the Royal Veterinary College's rugby team.

The awards were presented at The Vineyard Church in St Albans and include a motivational keynote speech by Alison Mowbray, Olympic Silver Medallist with the British rowing team.

Event organiser Jane Roskilly, from the St Albans Sports Development Team provided by St Albans City & District Council and managed in partnership with Leisure Connection, said: "It is vital to recognise and reward our local athletes, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs for their exceptional sporting contribution and achievements throughout the year. It was a fantastic evening for everyone involved."

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.

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.

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.

2010-11 Leagues for Herts Womens Clubs

RFUW Premiership (1st Tier):

* OA Saints
* Saracens

RFUW Championship South 1 (2nd Tier):

* Saracens II

RFUW Challenge South East (North) 2 (5th Tier):

* Hertford
* Hitchin
* OA Saints II
* Tabard

OA Saints to compete in top flight

OA Saints WRFC received the exciting news that they have been promoted to the elite women’s rugby Premiership, the top flight of women’s rugby in England. The Saints will now compete along with the other top 8 women’s sides in the country, no mean feat considering the growing sport now has over 170 senior sides.

At the start of the season the Saints celebrated their 20th Anniversary, with this promotion topping off an amazing season for the club. St Albans WRFC was formed in 1989 by a group of friends after a challenge in a St Albans pub. Playing, and winning, their first match against Eaton Manor with a squad of just 15 players the club has gone from strength to strength. Moving to Woollams, the home of Old Albanians in 2003, the Saints now boast over 60 players and 2 successful teams. Over the years the club has had many successes reaching the Premiership for a short spell in 1997, and having home grown international players for England, Ireland, and Italy over the 20 years.

The Saints had a fantastic Pre-season, the recruitment of new players was good, particularly from the talented u18’s squad at Welwyn Garden City RFC, and the return of some home grown talent complemented an already strong squad and allowed the club to achieve its primary aim of winning the league.

The results, 13 wins from 14, scoring 75 tries-a staggering 30 more than any other team in the league, they were ready to step up a level but were disappointed that the National Governing Body (RFUW) had decided to hold any promotion due to the impact of the Women's Rugby World Cup in August 2010. However, luck was on the Saints side when a Premiership side from the north asked to be relegated soon after the Saints won the North v South Championship Cup and the rest is history...

Reaching the Premiership is a culmination of 3 years hard work, setting and achieving goals with the ultimate aim to end up in the Premier League. Reaching the Premiership is a massive achievement and a true testament to the spirit of the club and the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and on the pitch.

This achievement is not just down the players on the pitch each week, but testament to the dedication of coaches Ed Knighton, Glyn Barraclough and Andy Weldon, and the never ending support of OA Rugby and fantastic facilities at Woollams.

‘’We really hope to make an impact in the Premiership and whilst it will not be easy by any stretch, we are certain that we are in the league where we belong. The Saints are an amazing club to be involved with and I am extremely proud to be the Chairwoman during this amazing milestone in the history of the Club - and all of this in our 20th Anniversary year!’’ Tasha Saint-Smith, OA Saints Chairwoman.

The 2009/10 season has been an exciting one for all those at Old Albanians. With the Men’s 1st XV also gaining promotion this season to National League 2, the 2010/11 season is set to be an exciting one for the Saints and the whole OA Rugby Club.

OA Saints are recruiting players for the forthcoming season, running 2 sides we would welcome players of all abilities from new players to seasoned internationals! The Saints are also looking for additional coaches to join the team, an assistant 1st XV coach (preferably level 2) and an assistant 2nd XV coach (level 1). Coaching women is a great way to get involved in rugby coaching an opportunity to coach at Premiership level. Anyone interested in playing or coaching should contact OA Saints Chairwoman Tasha Saint-Smith on 07971 849290 or tasha@saintsmith.com

• Saints played at St Albans RFC from 1989-2003, moving to Woollams in Autumn 2003. Woollams is the premier rugby facility in Hertfordshire boasting 5 senior men’s teams, 2 women’s teams, colts, mini’s and juniors along with being the training ground for Saracens.
• OA Saints also run u14’s and u18’s sides, with close links to Welwyn Garden City RFC established u18’s.
• International Representation from:
• Jane Everett (England)
• Trina Edgar (Ireland)
• Nadia Brannon (Italy)
• Sarah McKenna, Karina Page & Cath Botterman (England A)
• Geri Thomas, Milly Fuggles, Hannah Clark ( England u20s)
• Megan Williams (Wales u20s)

OA Saints "Open Evenings" for U18s

As last year, the OA Saints are going to host another couple of training sessions for the local Hertfordshire under 18 players who are moving up to Senior Rugby in September. This worked very well last year and allowed them to introduce themselves and train together to give the girls an informed choice about where they wish to play their senior rugby.

The dates for our sessions are as follows:

Wednesday 24th February, 7.15 - 9pm at OA's Rugby Club

Monday 15th March, 7,15 - 9pm at OA's Rugby Club

Naturally, parents and coaches are very welcome and there will be plenty of beer in the bar afterwards!

Should you have any questions or queries, do please contact Tasha, OA Saints Chairwoman, on 07971 849290

RFUW Development Squad v. Combined Services November 11th

A Game between RFUW Development Squad and Combined Services is taking place at Aldershot RFC on Rememberance Day on 11th November at 3.30. It is the Curtain raiser for the Men's Combined Services versus Barbarians Game taking pace at 7.30.

The RFUW Development Squad comprises of England Under 20 Players, and Players who are on the fringes of the England Women's Elite 44 Squad.

Three OA Saints Players are in the RFUW Development Squad:

• Sarah McKenna (13)
• Millie Fuggles (17)
• Geri Thomas (19)

Old Albanians send invitation to all U18s

OA's are due to hold an U18 taster session for all U18 players in the County who are due to move up to senior level next season. The first session is tomorrow night (Wednesday 17th) at 7.15pm.

In order to fully cater for these sessions OAs need to know the likely numbers that maybe attending - so please contact email Tasha Saint-Smith. Parents and coaches are very welcome to come along and meet the team.

 

OAs also plan to send a "Saint" to any interested clubs to introduce themselves prior to these sessions, which will be on the following dates:

 

Weds 28th January, 7.15pm (OA's training pitch)

Weds 11th March, 7.15pm (OA's training pitch)

 

If you have any questions or queries, please contact Tasha.