Under the Posts – Week of Feb 26, 2017

Beatriz Futuro Muhlbauer of Brazil is tackled by at Sydney 7s
Beatriz Futuro Muhlbauer of Brazil is tackled by at Sydney 7s

The top headlines last week covered results from the third round of the Six Nations, more buildup to #USA7s, the continued scrutiny of Ireland’s Six Nations squad and the announcement of a ten team RFU Super Rugby competition. Note that we will end this week’s coverage on March 3 so we can cover #USA7s in full next week.

As a reminder, we are doing weekly posts recapping the top women’s rugby news. Can’t wait a week? Join us on Twitter or on our Facebook page as we will be posting daily.

In the third round of the Six Nations, Ireland defeated France 13-10 and top the #RBS6Nations standings table.

Tamara Taylor of England joins a very prestigious club as she has earned her 100th test cap! She joins just two other players, Rochelle Clark and Amy Garnett.

The 2017 NSCRO Women’s 7’s National Championship will be held at Founders Field in Cheswick, PA, on 29-30 April 2017. 16 teams will qualify for this event, 10 from automatic qualifiers and 6 through at-large bids.

Teams looking to secure a place through the at large bid process should complete our online form: 2017 NSCRO Women’s 7s National Championship At-Large Bid Form.

We were incredibly saddened to hear the news that Elli Norkett was killed in a two-car collision. She played for Wales and was the youngest player in the 2014 Rugby World Cup. Along with playing for the Wales national team, Elli played for the Swansea Ladies and the Ospreys at the club level.

Canada has announced a Top 40 U-18 camp ahead of a two-game series with the USA later this year.

“We’re really excited to get back to work with this group of athletes,” head coach Dan Valley said. “This is another opportunity to put them into a National camp setting and all of the challenges and learning that comes with that.

“The athletes have been hard at work in their home provinces and now have an opportunity to come together to test themselves against their peers from across the country.”

Dan Vickerman, 37, died under “no suspicious circumstances” over the weekend, leaving a wife, two sons and an international rugby community reeling with the realisation that mental health issues had driven him to desperation. All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan gives insight into suicide and sports.

All Blacks Sevens star Iopu Iopu-Aso also opens up about personal struggles that almost cost him everything.

“I think we need to use the s-word a week bit more,” said Sir John. “As a precaution, people don’t want to mention it, because they feel that someone who’s unwell may see it as an option, but we do need to talk about it and find out why it’s happening. “It’s something we need to keep working on – one of my dreams is no more suicides.

Sports was one of the best outlets in my life and still is. We need more girls playing sports or finding hobbies or activities that they are interested in.

Brazil has been placed in a very difficult pool at Vegas 7s and star Beatriz Futuro Muhlbauer explains why her side aren’t fazed by a pool featuring New Zealand, Australia and England.

Even with a perfect start, England Women’s captain Sarah Hunter insists there has been no talk of the Women’s Six Nations title. England hasn’t won the title since 2012 but will have to go through Scotland in round four and Ireland in the last round to keep their hopes alive.

An excellent video from Australia and Playbytherules.com. Let Kids be Kids is a national campaign that addresses poor sideline behaviour – largely at junior sport.

The behaviour of people on the sidelines of junior sport can have a profound impact on kids participation and enjoyment of sport.

Coach Tom Tierney responds to the controversy surrounding his side and the Women’s Six Nations. Specifically he was also asked about the need to know his starting XV and to ensure they play together regularly.

“What is it, February? Yeah, February. The World Cup is in August. So that is our thinking. We are giving everyone absolutely every opportunity to be as good as they can be, from a squad point of view, the best possible chance to be in contention for a World Cup slot.

“It is hugely important from our point of view that we don’t disrespect any player, that we give them every opportunity to show their wares.

“We are confident enough in what we are doing, we are very sure of ourselves, thankfully, and obviously when we are competitive here, when we are competitive in the Sevens Series it justifies everything because it is about driving the women’s game . . . we are happy with how it is going.”

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora addressed the IRFU controversy on Monday night’s Against The Head on RTÉ, who ascertained that the media had made a mountain out of a molehill.

England Rugby has confirmed that 10 clubs that have been offered places, subject to contract, in the new women’s domestic competition from September 2017. The competition will receive a multi-million pound investment from the RFU over the next three years to help deliver the minimum standards expected and provide high-quality coaching, facilities, training environments and community engagement plans.

Another controversy is brewing as some key clubs, like Litchfield and Thurrock were seemingly left out in the cold…

ScrumQueens also interviewed Nigel Melville, the Rugby Football Union’s professional rugby director.

“USA Rugby today published its new strategic plan, Strategy 2020, and the accompanying website, rugbystrategy.us, to outline the national governing body’s focuses to raise awareness and participation of the game of rugby in the United States.”

Having worked on this strategy as a member of the USA Rugby Congress, I am very proud that it has been released!

Lauren Doyle reflects on her four years as a USA Women’s 7s resident and her many adventures.

This Girl Can shared an awesome video this week…make sure to watch it above!

Canada’s senior women’s head coach Francois Ratier has selected a 38-player long list squad for the Can-Am Series on March 28 and April 1 in San Diego, CA. The team will gather for a training camp March 19-25 at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. Canada will also continue their pre 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup with a tour to New Zealand in June:

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.