Congratulations to the following Herts U18 Players who have been selected as part of this Seasons National TDG Group of 35:
* Georgia Peedle (Welwyn)
* Claire Shutler (Saracens)
* Sam Voyle (Welwyn)
Showing posts with label National news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National news. Show all posts
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
RFU President's XV Awards 2010: Young Volunteers vRugby Category Winner
Winner: Welwyn RFC
The creation of Hertfordshire's Rugby Awareness Week by two 15-year-old Rugby playing Girls, Oren Blindell and Rachel McCullough, from Welwyn RFC proved an outstanding initiative which grew into a major boost fo the game in their area. They were successful in applying for just under £10,000 of funding from The Big Spend (Youth Opportunities Fund) and with support from Amanda Bate, Herts RFU Volunteer Co-ordinator, the Hertfordshire RDO Peter Engledow, the idea became reality when Hertfordshire Rugby Awareness Week took place between 16-20 November 2009.
The Category Winners Award plus prize cheque for £500 will be presented by a Panel Judge, Jason Leonard (England's most capped Player) at the Welwyn Girls Rugby Presentation Evening on Friday 4th June.
The creation of Hertfordshire's Rugby Awareness Week by two 15-year-old Rugby playing Girls, Oren Blindell and Rachel McCullough, from Welwyn RFC proved an outstanding initiative which grew into a major boost fo the game in their area. They were successful in applying for just under £10,000 of funding from The Big Spend (Youth Opportunities Fund) and with support from Amanda Bate, Herts RFU Volunteer Co-ordinator, the Hertfordshire RDO Peter Engledow, the idea became reality when Hertfordshire Rugby Awareness Week took place between 16-20 November 2009.
The Category Winners Award plus prize cheque for £500 will be presented by a Panel Judge, Jason Leonard (England's most capped Player) at the Welwyn Girls Rugby Presentation Evening on Friday 4th June.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
RFUW Director recruitment
The RFUW is currently looking to increase the number of Directors on the Board and is looking for at least 2 exceptional individuals who share the vision to create and support an environment that promotes, develops and sustains opportunities for woman and girls to participate and achieve their potential in rugby.
We are looking for individuals who are currently involved in women’s rugby, who are passionate about the sport and who really want to make a difference. It is key that these individuals have demonstrated leadership, trust, integrity, team work, accountability, inclusiveness and dedication within a rugby environment.
The position is voluntary and Directors are required to attend five or six Board meetings a year held in Twickenham on Saturdays. Expenses will be paid.
We would welcome individuals from any background – if possible we would like to have representation from the North of England. The key is that the individual is committed to making a difference and can bring fresh ideas and thoughts to the Board.
Please register your interest or send applications to Susan Allen, RFUW, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7BA or to susanallen@rfu.com.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Women's international this weekend - at Saracens
Weather permitting, Saracens RFC in Southgate are due to host an "international" this Saturday between 2009 triple crown winners Wales, and Nomads - the women's equivalent of the Barbarians.
Kick-off will be at 1pm.
Kick-off will be at 1pm.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Girls National Emerging Schools Competition
Presdales School from Ware in Herts won the National Final for the Girls Emerging Schools (School Year 7) Competition played at Twickenham in front of the Crowd who were attending the Annual Army v. Navy Game.There were 2 previous Rounds that they had won through:
- Semi-Final stage at Staines RFC on the Morning of the Final.
- London North stage where they had played against Barking Abbey (Essex), Queens (Bushey Herts), Nobel (Stevenage Herts) and Waldergrave (Middlesex).
Sunday, August 17, 2008
New RFUW Head of Development
Guinness Premiership Referee David Rose will join the Rugby Football Union for Women as Head of Development in September.
Rose, who was born in Birmingham and now lives in Plymouth, will join the RFUW from the RFU where he has been working as a Midlands Referee Development Manager. Previously, he has also worked for the International Rugby Board (IRB) as a Regional Development Manager, the National Coaching Foundation as a Coaching Development Officer and as a Youth Development Officer for the North Midlands Rugby Union.
Rose, in this brand new position, is tasked with ensuring women’s and girls’ rugby becomes a fully integrated part of rugby in England. He will work closely with the RFU, Sport England and other delivery agencies to ensure that there are as many opportunities as possible open to women and girls to play rugby.
Rose said: “This is a fresh new challenge for me. These are exciting times for women’s rugby as it continues to grow and the national teams strive for more success.
“I believe that much of what I have experienced so far professionally will be of invaluable experience to this new position, but I also understand that there are several new challenges ahead. I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in, in September.”
Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, added: “We are really excited that David is joining us. He is very well known and highly respected in the game and will bring experience and knowledge to the RFUW.
“The RFUW is continuing to grow and women’s and girls’ rugby is becoming an important part of the game across the country. That is why this is such an important appointment.”
Ends…
Rose, who was born in Birmingham and now lives in Plymouth, will join the RFUW from the RFU where he has been working as a Midlands Referee Development Manager. Previously, he has also worked for the International Rugby Board (IRB) as a Regional Development Manager, the National Coaching Foundation as a Coaching Development Officer and as a Youth Development Officer for the North Midlands Rugby Union.
Rose, in this brand new position, is tasked with ensuring women’s and girls’ rugby becomes a fully integrated part of rugby in England. He will work closely with the RFU, Sport England and other delivery agencies to ensure that there are as many opportunities as possible open to women and girls to play rugby.
Rose said: “This is a fresh new challenge for me. These are exciting times for women’s rugby as it continues to grow and the national teams strive for more success.
“I believe that much of what I have experienced so far professionally will be of invaluable experience to this new position, but I also understand that there are several new challenges ahead. I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in, in September.”
Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, added: “We are really excited that David is joining us. He is very well known and highly respected in the game and will bring experience and knowledge to the RFUW.
“The RFUW is continuing to grow and women’s and girls’ rugby is becoming an important part of the game across the country. That is why this is such an important appointment.”
Ends…
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Under 18s Women’s Talent Development Group for 2008/09 named
The RFUW have announced the names of girls selected for next season's 36-strong U18 Talent Development Group (TDG) - including three from Hertfordshire:
Tom Stokes, the RFUW’s Player Development Manager, said: “The TDG, in its third year, is a programme designed to provide the very best Under 18s players with a thorough, planned and progressive individual player development programme. The group provides a step up from county and regional rugby and aims to raise the standard of England representative players and squads for future years.”
The 36 selected players will attend another TDG camp in August as well as national and local sessions over the season. They will receive core rugby skill development, game understanding, strength and conditioning education and development, nutritional advice, sports psychology, performance lifestyle, online training diaries and training kit.
Congratulations to those selected. The full national list can be found here
- Hannah Gallagher (Welwyn)
- Claire Shutler (Saracens)
- Megan Williams (Welwyn)
Tom Stokes, the RFUW’s Player Development Manager, said: “The TDG, in its third year, is a programme designed to provide the very best Under 18s players with a thorough, planned and progressive individual player development programme. The group provides a step up from county and regional rugby and aims to raise the standard of England representative players and squads for future years.”
The 36 selected players will attend another TDG camp in August as well as national and local sessions over the season. They will receive core rugby skill development, game understanding, strength and conditioning education and development, nutritional advice, sports psychology, performance lifestyle, online training diaries and training kit.
Congratulations to those selected. The full national list can be found here
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Nominate A Deserving Sports Volunteer Today!
23rd June 2008
Service to Sport Awards - Nominate Now!!!
nominate a deserving sports volunteer today!
The nominations have been coming in thick and fast..... and you still have a week or so to get your nomination in. If you know a sports club or someone who you think is worthy of an award whether they are a coach, official, administrator, or a mum or dad who helps out week in week out... make sure they have the chance to be recognised for their efforts!!
Nominate Today! To get a nomination form and further information.....
In Hertfordshire, we are a unique sports organisation that brings together expertise, resources and ideas from all sides of the sports industry to provide a central and coordinated sports service for the whole county to benefit from. Follow the links below to find out more about our work and how we can help you!..
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
In Touch Survey – Your Questions Answered
The RFUW ran an online survey in November 2007. They received a significant number of responses and have pulled out some key areas that they think they can address immediately for the game.
RFUW will be using this survey going forward to help shape their decision making processes and thank all those who took part.
| Key Area | Action we will take |
| 36% of volunteers requested updates of what is happening at a grass roots level | Click here to access the RFUW website for news, match reports and information http://www.rfu.com/women |
| 50% of volunteers requested information on training courses | Click here for community rugby http://www.community-rugby.com. Here you will find information on all the different courses that are available to you |
| 57% of players are unaware of the player pathway | The RFUW has a player pathway that highlights the routes you can take through rugby. Contact the RFUW office for a copy |
| 68% of players felt that access to high quality coaching was very important while 71% are interested in information on coaching courses | Click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com. Look at the Coaches sections for details of courses in your area |
| 41% of players are interested in information on volunteering | We are currently updating the website with new information on how to get involved in volunteering. In the meantime, get in touch with Holly Hart on 020 8831 7482 or email hollyhart@rfu.com for details |
| 3% of supporters felt that facilities at grounds are good | Visit http://www.community-rugby.com and look under Club Management, Facilities for information and guidance on improving facilities at your club. Also, for information on funding that might be available contact the RFUW office or check out the funding section of the Community Rugby website. |
| 78% of supporters requested information on coaching | Click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com. Look at the Coaches sections for details of courses in your area |
| 61% of coaches have a level 1 coaching qualification and 39% have a level 2. | If you would like to obtain a coaching qualification, or to do your next level, click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com Then have a look at courses being run in your region. |
| 71% of coaches requested information on mentoring | Coach mentoring is available from your CCO. Visit http://www.rfu.com/women and look under contacts to find their details. |
| 74% of parents feel that having a first aider at their club is very important | The RFU runs an excellent one day 1st aid course. Visit http://www.community-rugby.com, and have a look under Club Management, Health to find courses near you |
| 52% of parents are willing to get involved in administration | We are currently updating the website with new information on how to get involved in volunteering. In the meantime, get in touch with Holly Hart on 020 8831 7482 or email hollyhart@rfu.com for details |
| 90% of administrators are interested in training courses and 47% in accredited courses | Click here for community rugby http://www.community-rugby.com. Here you will find information on all the different courses that are available to you. |
RFUW Newsletter: July 2008
| RFUW NEWS UPDATE – July 2008 |
|
Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) - We will be implementing the ELV’s as per the implementation that the RFU is doing. There are still some details to finalise particularly in reference to the youth game but information will be sent out to you via the RFU as a matter of urgency as soon as it is available.
For coaches and referees keep your eye out through your club / Constituent Body and on RFU.com for local training opportunities on the ELV’s.
Affiliation Forms – Enclosed is everything you need to complete your affiliation for the upcoming 2008/09 season including updated calendars. Closing date to receive your affiliation forms is 31st July 2008 (universities 31st August).
Player Registration – We are pleased to confirm changes to the way players register for the forthcoming season which will benefit your club directly. For the 2008/09 season player registration will be linked with league status. Clubs will pay a one off set fee based on the minimum number of players they must have to meet the criteria for the league they are in. The fee being levied will remain at £11 per player. For any additional players clubs recruit, they can keep the money for club funds or decide not to charge some players a registration fee.
We hope that this change will also reinforce the importance of minimum player numbers which is vital in becoming a sustainable club. In turn, it will also reward clubs for recruiting more players.
Nations Cup – England are hosting a Nations Cup this August playing against the USA and Canada at Esher RFC on:
Wednesday 20th August at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
Saturday 23rd August at 1pm and at 3pm,
Tuesday 26th August, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and
Saturday 30th August at 2pm.
Come along to watch great International rugby at an easily accessible venue, with low cost tickets that will be available on the day. Look out for further information coming out to you soon and on to the RFUW website in July.
Annual General Meeting - The RFUW Ltd Annual General Meeting will take place at 12.30pm on Saturday 13th September 2008 at the Holiday Inn Leamington Spa, CV34 6RJ. A copy of the agenda, attendance and proxy form will be sent to you in advance within the required legal time scale, however we wanted to advise the date as far ahead as possible for planning purposes.
We have teamed the AGM with our Leaders Conference this year in hope that those people who work as leaders and volunteers for the RFUW are able to attend on behalf of their clubs where appropriate.
Recent meetings have been small and short with most clubs choosing to vote via post using the proxy form, for this reason we would suggest you may not want to travel a great distance for such a short meeting, however if you would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact us.
RFU Grand Prize Draw – This is the RFU annual Grand Prize raffle draw that has this season earnt Sandbach RUFC (Cheshire) a stunning £8,309 from ticket sales of which they get to keep 90%, in addition they won a Hospitality Package for 2 people to an autumn international match 2008, as well as the prizes available to their members who bought winning tickets. Full details, together with a pre-Registration Form, will be available on the RFU Website (at www.rfu.com) in mid-August. Start early and incorporate the Grand Draw in your fund-raising plans. We highly recommend you get involved in this draw, you just can’t lose!
RFUW Surveys – Thanks to everybody who took the time to complete the RFUW online surveys earlier this year, results of the survey will be posted on the RFUW website during June so please log on and have a look at your feedback and some suggestions from us how to address some situations.
Rosie Williams
Managing Director
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The end of the season....but not for some
For most Girl Players last weekends National 7's is the last date of the season, but for a select group it is continuing during the Summer.
One 'Junior Super League' weekend of training and match has already taken place at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire on 17 - 18th May and the second match is taking place at the same venue this Saturday (31 May). Three U18 Herts Players, Alex Robertson, Megan Williams and Sophie Tyler were invited to take part, as was a fourth Welwyn Player, Hannah Gallagher, but she is currently recovering from an operation.
In addition invitation letters are currently being sent out to the Girls selected to attend the U18 and U15 High Performance Academy (HPA) Camp at Brunel University London on 12 and 13 July. The leading U18 players at the 4 HPA Camps will then be invited to join the 2007/8 TDG Girls at their next training session later in the summer, at which next seasons TDG Group will be selected. The U15 HPA's will be used to select the Girls for next seasons Schools of Rugby, which start later in the Summer.
One 'Junior Super League' weekend of training and match has already taken place at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire on 17 - 18th May and the second match is taking place at the same venue this Saturday (31 May). Three U18 Herts Players, Alex Robertson, Megan Williams and Sophie Tyler were invited to take part, as was a fourth Welwyn Player, Hannah Gallagher, but she is currently recovering from an operation.
In addition invitation letters are currently being sent out to the Girls selected to attend the U18 and U15 High Performance Academy (HPA) Camp at Brunel University London on 12 and 13 July. The leading U18 players at the 4 HPA Camps will then be invited to join the 2007/8 TDG Girls at their next training session later in the summer, at which next seasons TDG Group will be selected. The U15 HPA's will be used to select the Girls for next seasons Schools of Rugby, which start later in the Summer.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Have you signed up for the RFUW conference yet?
The RFUW Regional Conference will be at Hatfield on 28th June. A full day of practical demonstrations, discussions and case studies aimed at players, coaches, referees and managers. There is even a Q&A session where you can get a chance to ask RFUW board exactly what they are doing. Clubs can send two people (and may be able send more), full refreshments are provided... and all for only £5!
However, RFUW are asking for clubs to put forward delegates by the end of this week. There is more information on the RFUW website (plus an application form).
However, RFUW are asking for clubs to put forward delegates by the end of this week. There is more information on the RFUW website (plus an application form).
Monday, May 26, 2008
RFUW want to hear from YOU!
RFUW are contacting all clubs, schools and college teams and asking them to complete an "audit" about the state of the game as you see it. Please ensure that your club completes the audit before the closing date of 23rd June. It only takes five minutes and is vital to the development of the game.
For more information, including a link to the audit itself, see the RFUW website.
For more information, including a link to the audit itself, see the RFUW website.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Talent Development Group U18 v. Canada U19
TDG U18 played the touring Canada U19s last Friday at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, where the TDG group train, and narrowly lost 19-15. Three Welwyn Warrior / Herts Players represented the TDG (Alex Robertson, Megan Williams and Hannah Gallagher) with Williams scoring one and Gallagher scoring the other two of the TDG's three Tries.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
England U20 trials
The RFUW has moved its international age group from England U19 to England U20. This change to the age group banding falls in line with IRB policy and is consistent to changes already implemented within other nations. Essentially, the training and competition programme will remain the same.
The U20s (as with the U19’s) will give the next generation of talented players the opportunity to train and play within an international environment. The RFUW is committed to the identification and development of players of the future and it is anticipated that players from the U20’s age group will progress further and represent the England Senior Squad at future World Cups and 6 Nations competitions.
The first round of England U20 trials will take place on Saturday 8th September 2007.
The trial will be held at Lichfield RFC (Staffordshire) Lichfield RFC - (Directions from LRFC website)
The second round of trial matches will be played on 30th September and 21st October 2007
To be eligible for England U20’s players must be:
The U20s (as with the U19’s) will give the next generation of talented players the opportunity to train and play within an international environment. The RFUW is committed to the identification and development of players of the future and it is anticipated that players from the U20’s age group will progress further and represent the England Senior Squad at future World Cups and 6 Nations competitions.
The first round of England U20 trials will take place on Saturday 8th September 2007.
The trial will be held at Lichfield RFC (Staffordshire) Lichfield RFC - (Directions from LRFC website)
The second round of trial matches will be played on 30th September and 21st October 2007
To be eligible for England U20’s players must be:
- Eligible to play for England
- Over 17 years old and under 20 years old on or before 31st August / 1st September 2007
To download a registration form click here. Players wishing to trial should complete a the form and return it to the RFUW office by Thursday 6th September at the very latest.
Whilst the trials remain ‘open’ we encourage players who have played Regional Rugby to register and attend.
Players should arrive for a 10:30am start. The trials will finish at around 4pm. All players should bring own lunch / refreshments, training and playing kit (including protective clothing)
Final Information regarding the trials will be posted on www.rfu.com (women’s rugby)
Please don’t hesitate to contact the office on 0208 831 7996 if you have any queries.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
For the more ambitious adult clubs, perhaps...
A message from Africa...
I'm doing what I can to let everyone know about women's rugby in East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi) do play rugby. Can I take this opportunity to ask women's team (club, national sides etc) in whatever part of the world to consider touring Uganda. For club sides you can contact ugandarugby@utlonline.co.ug or contact me (ugrugbychiclet@yahoo.co.uk) or the uganda women's rugby association (ugwomensrugby@yahoo.com).
Women's rugby is a rapidly developing sport in East Africa - and the standard is pretty good. The Ugandan national side have been going for 2-3 years now but have never lost a game at 15-a-side and came close to winning the African Sevens last season, losing narrowly to South Afica the final. And its not totally out of the question - East's "Boadaceas" can routinely visit Dubai...
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thinking of trying for England U20s?
This may be what Clive was thinking about when he said it was tough and physical!
Wales U19s vs USA, last season. Watch the Wales no.14...
(with thanks to Saturday's a Rugby Day)
Wales U19s vs USA, last season. Watch the Wales no.14...
(with thanks to Saturday's a Rugby Day)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Some more important anniversaries you may have missed
Further to yesterday's article about the first ever women's international, 5th April this year was the 20th anniversary of the first ever England international. On that day in 1987 England travelled to Pontypool to take on Wales - and won by 22-4. England have played Wales every year ever since (thus making it women's rugby's longest annual series) ... and have won every time! This time the event was not entirely missed.
This international took place seven years BEFORE the formation of the RFUW. Women's rugby across the British Isles was then run the "Women's Rugby Football Union", which had been set up in 1983, and for some years there was also a British Isles team that played against overseas opposition. The WRFU gradually broke up in the early 90s when first Ireland (1992) and then Scotland (1993) went their own ways, leaving England and Wales to finally form their own unions in 1994 - but this does mean that next year will be the 25th anniversary of organised women's rugby in Britain (can someone start ordering the party bunting, please?).
In addition, it is worth remembering the WRFU's first representative game - which was also the first international played in the British Isles - as this took place 21 years ago this year when British Isles lost 14-8 to France at Richmond Park. Unfortunately most of the British Isles games - and actually most women's international rugby - seems to have gone largely unrecorded, even though it has all happened fairly recently so I cannot even find out the date that this match took place.
Looking ahead next year will also give us the 20th anniversary of first English women's club cup final (Wasps 34, Richmond 6 @ Rosslyn Park), and the 10th anniversary of the first "official" world cup (the two previous competitions in 1991 and 1994 had not been sanctioned by the IRB)
This international took place seven years BEFORE the formation of the RFUW. Women's rugby across the British Isles was then run the "Women's Rugby Football Union", which had been set up in 1983, and for some years there was also a British Isles team that played against overseas opposition. The WRFU gradually broke up in the early 90s when first Ireland (1992) and then Scotland (1993) went their own ways, leaving England and Wales to finally form their own unions in 1994 - but this does mean that next year will be the 25th anniversary of organised women's rugby in Britain (can someone start ordering the party bunting, please?).
In addition, it is worth remembering the WRFU's first representative game - which was also the first international played in the British Isles - as this took place 21 years ago this year when British Isles lost 14-8 to France at Richmond Park. Unfortunately most of the British Isles games - and actually most women's international rugby - seems to have gone largely unrecorded, even though it has all happened fairly recently so I cannot even find out the date that this match took place.
Looking ahead next year will also give us the 20th anniversary of first English women's club cup final (Wasps 34, Richmond 6 @ Rosslyn Park), and the 10th anniversary of the first "official" world cup (the two previous competitions in 1991 and 1994 had not been sanctioned by the IRB)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
A quarter century of women's international rugby
Here's an anniversary that has passed the sporting world by last week (and my apologies for missing it myself).
Last Wednesday (13th June) was the 25th anniversary of the first ever women's rugby international, which took place between the Netherlands and France at Utrecht in 1982, France winning 4-0 (tries were only worth four points in those days).
The lack of celebrations, dancing in the streets, postage stamps, etc. to mark this important event is understandable perhaps as apparently the players at the time did not realise that they were making history, and the actual match itself came close to being forgotten as a result of the French RFU's take over of the women's game in 1990. In their otherwise comprehensive database of matches and results by their women's team they chose to disregard all of the internationals played up to that point.
What is more there is no complete listing of women's internationals available anywhere to compensate - even the IRB's records do not go back before 2006! Some RFUs have listings of their games (most don't) - even England's only goes back to the mid 90s (despite their first international being nearly ten years before).
However, the status of the game was rescued from obscurity by the Rugby Museum at Twickenham organised last summer an exhibition on the history of the women's game which unearthed this fact (and many more). Though that exhibition is now long over, the good news is that much of it is still available online (click here) - and fascinating it is too. In fact much of it could easily be reused by any club that wanted to organise an exhibition about the women's game.
Last Wednesday (13th June) was the 25th anniversary of the first ever women's rugby international, which took place between the Netherlands and France at Utrecht in 1982, France winning 4-0 (tries were only worth four points in those days).
The lack of celebrations, dancing in the streets, postage stamps, etc. to mark this important event is understandable perhaps as apparently the players at the time did not realise that they were making history, and the actual match itself came close to being forgotten as a result of the French RFU's take over of the women's game in 1990. In their otherwise comprehensive database of matches and results by their women's team they chose to disregard all of the internationals played up to that point.
What is more there is no complete listing of women's internationals available anywhere to compensate - even the IRB's records do not go back before 2006! Some RFUs have listings of their games (most don't) - even England's only goes back to the mid 90s (despite their first international being nearly ten years before).
However, the status of the game was rescued from obscurity by the Rugby Museum at Twickenham organised last summer an exhibition on the history of the women's game which unearthed this fact (and many more). Though that exhibition is now long over, the good news is that much of it is still available online (click here) - and fascinating it is too. In fact much of it could easily be reused by any club that wanted to organise an exhibition about the women's game.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The invisible cup
If you felt that last year's World Cup did not get that much publicity, and that in addition this season's England Grand Slam also went past without making much of a dent in the consciousness of the country's media then this pales into... well, I guess "significance" compared with England's next challenge.
For on Saturday England will be in Madrid competing for the first (well, I assume its first) Women's European Cup - a competition that at present seems to be requiring the invention of whole new lexicon of words to describe its media profile. Even the page devoted to it on the RFUW website can only be described as "minimalist".
Despite appearances this is a competition which will actually feature eight nations - France, Sweden, Netherlands and Wales are also taking part (not Scotland or Ireland though - no idea why...).
There is ever so marginally more information available on the FIRA website - but even they - the organisers - have clearly not felt the need to bust a gut over the promotion of the event. Like saying what the rules are, or where the matches will be played (other than "Madrid", which is a bit vague) - you know, details like that (mind you the RFUW just gives the venue as "Spain", so it could be worse!).
No idea who is in the England team - one assumes they are sending the full squad - in which case some of these games could get a shade one-sided.
But there we are. This blog has probably already given the event a bigger write-up than the rest of the world's media combined. Shame really. The final (inevitably between England and Wales or France) on 5th May should be quite interesting.
[UPDATE] Vincent Acheson has dug around a bit (see comments) and discovered that apparently England are sending an "A" team (though there seem to be a good scattering of full caps in there), which makes sense and actually makes it even more interesting because presumably this young side may well be the basis of the next World Cup team. Shame its all getting about as much coverage as the Albanian Ice Hockey league.
Also its NOT the first competition - which would seem to be news even to FIRA, going by their linguistically challenged website.
For on Saturday England will be in Madrid competing for the first (well, I assume its first) Women's European Cup - a competition that at present seems to be requiring the invention of whole new lexicon of words to describe its media profile. Even the page devoted to it on the RFUW website can only be described as "minimalist".
Despite appearances this is a competition which will actually feature eight nations - France, Sweden, Netherlands and Wales are also taking part (not Scotland or Ireland though - no idea why...).
There is ever so marginally more information available on the FIRA website - but even they - the organisers - have clearly not felt the need to bust a gut over the promotion of the event. Like saying what the rules are, or where the matches will be played (other than "Madrid", which is a bit vague) - you know, details like that (mind you the RFUW just gives the venue as "Spain", so it could be worse!).
No idea who is in the England team - one assumes they are sending the full squad - in which case some of these games could get a shade one-sided.
But there we are. This blog has probably already given the event a bigger write-up than the rest of the world's media combined. Shame really. The final (inevitably between England and Wales or France) on 5th May should be quite interesting.
[UPDATE] Vincent Acheson has dug around a bit (see comments) and discovered that apparently England are sending an "A" team (though there seem to be a good scattering of full caps in there), which makes sense and actually makes it even more interesting because presumably this young side may well be the basis of the next World Cup team. Shame its all getting about as much coverage as the Albanian Ice Hockey league.
Also its NOT the first competition - which would seem to be news even to FIRA, going by their linguistically challenged website.
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