South Africa Secures SVNS 3 Qualification; Black Ferns Search for New Coach | WRR 224

Women’s Rugby 7s News

International

• South Africa successfully defended their Rugby Africa 7s Cup title in Nairobi, securing qualification for the Dubai Challenger event in January and the World Rugby SVNS Division 3. South Africa’s performance was dominant, as they did not concede a single point throughout the tournament, culminating in a 22-0 final victory over hosts Kenya. [link]
  • Kenya placed second and Uganda placed third.
• The LA 2028 Olympics have finalized their rugby 7s schedule for Carson Stadium, with the women’s tournament running from July 12 to 15 and the men’s following from July 16 to 18. The Women’s Bronze and Gold Medal Matches will both take place on July 15, while the Men’s Bronze and Gold Medal Matches are set for the closing day, July 18. [link]

Women’s Rugby XVs News

International

• The Hong Kong Selects kicked off their 3 Nations Cup with a narrow 12-10 victory over hosts Germany in Heidelberg, maintaining their composure despite scrappy play and a 0-0 score at halftime. The decisive movement came late in the second half, where Hong Kong scored and converted a try in the 78th minute to secure the two-point win. [link]
  • Germany is set to face Belgium on November 19, while Hong Kong’s next fixture will be against Belgium on November 22. 
• Scottish Rugby announced increased investment in the women’s game by confirming financial support for 35 female players for the 2025/2026 season, up from 32 the previous year. This commitment marks the start of the new Rugby World Cup 2029 performance cycle and ensures players can train in their local environments, which include the PWR, Elite 1, and the centralized Celtic Challenge program in Scotland. The supported list includes 17 players based outside Scotland, 11 fully supported players in Scotland, and seven on domestic development contracts. [link]
• New Zealand announced that they have begun the search for a new Black Ferns Head Coach following a review of the program after the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Allan Bunting, the current Director of Performance, confirmed he will step down at the end of his contract and will not reapply for the Head Coach role. The NZR seeks a new leader to guide the Black Ferns through the upcoming four-year cycle, which includes a new competition calendar and the inaugural Women’s British and Irish Lions tour in 2027. The goal is to appoint the best candidate for this significant leadership role by Christmas 2025. [link]
• Morocco is committing to the establishment of its first national women’s rugby team across all age categories (seniors, U20, and juniors) for both 15s and 7s formats. The Royal Moroccan Rugby Federation (FRMR) held a talent-search gathering for senior and junior players from November 7 to 9 in Lormont, France, identifying forty high-level players in France, with further scouting planned in Spain, England, and the Moroccan championship. This initiative is focused on developing the necessary expertise to join international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the Arab Cup. [link]
• South Africa assembled for a weeklong alignment camp in the Western Cape, featuring a 42-player squad that mixes World Cup veterans with emerging talent. Head coach Swys de Bruin invited several standout players from recent development tournaments. [link]

Domestic

• The Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership Grand Final on December 13 is set after Stirling County confirmed first place and the home final by defeating dethroned reigning champions Corstorphine Cougars 62-26 on November 17. Watsonians clinched the second and final Grand Final spot by securing a 65-22 bonus point victory over Heriot’s. In the bottom four, Biggar guaranteed their top-flight status for next season with a tight 29-24 win over Garioch, while Hillhead Jordanhill defeated Cartha Queens Park 41-0, which relegated Cartha to the bottom of the table. [link]
• The USA Club Rugby Competition saw decisive results across three major geographic unions, with several teams securing their spots in the next round of playoffs. [link]
  • Midwest Championships:
    • Midwest Premiership: Chicago NS beat Pittsburgh Forge 29-22 and advances to the Northern Super Regional tournament scheduled for May 2-3, 2026.
    • D2: Chicago North Shore defeated Pittsburgh Forge 29-22, while Milwaukee Scylla overcame South Buffalo 56-39. Both Chicago NS and Milwaukee Scylla advance to the Northern Super Regional tournament scheduled for May 2-3, 2026.
  • Atlantic NERFU Championships: The Division 2 final saw a nail-biting finish as Providence edged out Worcester 31-29 for the title. In Division 3, Portland secured a dominant 34-17 victory over North Shore. Both Providence and Portland advance to the Atlantic Super Regional scheduled for May 2-3, 2026.
  • Empire Championships: New Haven claimed the Division 2 championship by defeating Danbury 23-16. Meanwhile, Union ran away with the Division 3 title, crushing Morris 51-19. Both New Haven and Union advance to the Atlantic Super Regional scheduled for May 2-3, 2026.
• Round 5 of the BC Premier featured a major upset that shook up the standings. The Vancouver Thunderbirds dealt a major loss to previously dominant leaders Westshore, defeating them 38-20. Elsewhere, Castaway Wanderers delivered a strong performance, shutting out Meraloma 29-0. Finally, Seattle Rugby traveled to Abbotsford and secured an important road victory over Abbotsford, winning 34-27. [link]
• Round 6 of the Energia AIL Division saw home teams claim bonus-point victories across the board, with several high-scoring results. UL Bohemian won the top-of-the-table clash, defeating Galwegians 36-24 behind a Chloe Pearse hat-trick, while Old Belvedere dominated Ballincollig 65-7, and Blackrock College crushed Tullow 60-5. Additionally, Railway Union cruised past Wicklow 48-7, and Ennis secured a thrilling 22-19 victory over Cooke. [link]
• Round 6 of the Liga Iberdrola confirmed Colina Clinic El Salvador as the undisputed leader, maintaining a perfect 6-0 record by defeating Getxo 27-17. The mid-table battle tightened as Simón Verde Sport Cocos secured a hard-fought 18-12 road victory against Rialta CRAT Coruña, vaulting them into third place. Furthermore, Complutense Cisneros earned a convincing 40-15 win over Sant Cugat, while Silicius Majadahonda won the Madrid derby against Olímpico de Pozuelo 22-15, keeping all three teams firmly in contention for the top four. [link]
• Round 4 of PWR delivered a flurry of tries and major movements in the standings. Saracens overwhelmed Leicester Tigers in a massive 79-5 victory, running in thirteen tries. Meanwhile, reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury extended their unbeaten start to the season by defeating Sale Sharks 40-24, powered by a Rachel Lund hat-trick. Trailfinders secured back-to-back home wins by beating Bristol Bears 45-19. Finally, Exeter Chiefs held off a late surge from Harlequins to claim a 26-19 victory at Sandy Park. [link]
• Following the Springbok Women’s successful World Cup quarter-final qualification in September 2025, South Africa Rugby is accelerating plans to professionalize the women’s game. A new fully professional Women’s Super League is now expected to launch in mid-2026, featuring central contracts for up to 150 players. The establishment of this professional league, alongside the existing Premier Division set to start in January 2026, aims to build upon the team’s international success and create a robust professional pathway. [link]

Women’s Rugby Features

• Allan Bunting’s exit marks turning point for Black Ferns women’s rugby – Opinion [link]
• Liv Apps: ‘It’s good timing for me to experience something new’ [link]
• What are the Raeburn and Utrecht shields? [link]
• Kristin Bitter: ‘I kind of had this whole new identity as a rugby player’ [link]
• Wallaroos re-signing spree continues with Player of the Year Tuinakauvadra [link]
• Tuttosi on World Cup and progress of women’s game [link]
• 21 Scotland World Cup players given contracts [link]
• BBC Sport triumphs at Broadcast Sport Awards with big wins for Women’s Sport and Gen Z audiences [link]
• Trailfinders aim to be ‘unstoppable’ after ‘clunky’ start [link]
• Black Ferns seek new coach as Bunting steps down [link]
• The Hand They’ve Been Dealt [link]
• BACK IN BLUE – Sarah Bern believes in the Bristol way [link]
• ‘The World Cup was just the beginning of what’s to come for women’s rugby’ [link]
• Fortuin looking for further growth and success [link]
• Three talking points from Round 3 of the 2025/26 PWR season [link]
• Wallaroos begin new chapter with four crucial re-signings [link]
• Ireland stars Aoife Wafer and Tadhg Beirne have been named the respective Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s and Men’s 15s Players of the Year [link]
• Menopause-friendly training: what does it look like? [link]
• Flight paths: the unexpected places women’s rugby can take you [link]
• Shoulder tap brought Maggie Cogger-Orr into rugby and eventually onto a path to being an elite referee [link]
• Aoife Wafer itching to build on frustrating year [link]
• Rugby World Cup ‘heartbreak’ but then ‘a cool feeling’: New Zealand duo Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Layla Sae’s rollercoaster ride [link]
• Rugby Rising Expands Nationwide Drive to Empower Girls — Ajegunle Joins the Movement [link]

Women’s Rugby Media

• The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby: De Goede, De Scaz & De Rugby
• Rugby Rodeo: Braxton Sorensen McGee, the Black Fern’s Next Big Thing
• LTW Fancast: Bouncing back from the Bye Week – Saracens (A) Preview with Sam Bytheway of the Women’s Rugby Show