Black Ferns Sevens Rule Perth and Nairobi SVNS 2 Sells Out | WRR 232

Alongside our anniversary celebrations, we are tracking a high-stakes race to the number 287 between the Women’s Rugby Rundown and Australian sevens sensation Maddison Levi. While we are rapidly closing in on our 287th episode, Maddi is on a historic tear, chasing the all-time world try-scoring record of 287, currently held by New Zealand’s Michaela Brake. As of this week, we sit at 232 episodes with 55 to go, while Maddi has reached 233 career tries, leaving her just 54 scores away from the crown. It is a true sprint to the finish to see who reaches the milestone first! [link]

Women’s Rugby 7s News

International

• New Zealand claimed back to back glory by defeating Australia 29-7 to secure their first ever title in Perth. Despite an early lead from the hosts, New Zealand took control before halftime thanks to a standout performance by Player of the Final Kelsey Teneti. This victory moves the Black Ferns to the top of the league standings as they continue their dominant season run. France rounded out the podium by snatching the bronze medal with a late score against the USA. [link]
  • After the action in Perth, New Zealand remains in first place with an expanded lead of 78 points while Australia follows in second with 74. Despite a fourth place finish in the tournament, the USA holds steady in third place with 54 points. France has successfully jumped over Canada to take fourth place, while Japan, Fiji, and Great Britain see no changes to their overall placement in the standings and are still at risk for relegation. [link]
  • In addition to the tournament results, there has been notable pushback from fans and players regarding the new HSBC SVNS format. Critics argue that limiting the top tier to only eight core teams has created a “static” environment where the same nations face each other week in and week out, leading to less variety and excitement for spectators.
• The draw for the HSBC SVNS in Vancouver has set the stage for some big clashes at BC Place this March. Fresh off their win in Perth, New Zealand headlines Pool A against France, Japan, and Great Britain, while Australian face a stiff first-day challenge against USA, Canada and Fiji in Pool B.  [link]
• Nairobi is ready for a historic weekend as the first-ever HSBC SVNS 2 stop at Nyayo National Stadium has officially sold out its 30,000 capacity. The Kenya Lionesses will face a challenging pool featuring China, Spain, and Brazil, alongside South Africa and Argentina. With a capacity crowd expected for the Valentine’s weekend event, teams are competing for a high-stakes spot in the World Championship Series. [link]

Women’s Rugby XVs News

International

• In a critical report from Jo Currie and BBC Sport, Scotland players have described the 2025 World Cup as an “emotionally damaging” experience due to Scottish Rugby’s handling of their contracts. Several athletes reported severe mental health struggles after learning their deals would expire shortly after the tournament, forcing some to search for jobs during their downtime between matches. While the union maintains that a package of support was in place, players interviewed by Currie claim they felt disposable and were under immense pressure to perform just to secure their future livelihoods. [link]
  • Scotland is set to make history on April 18, 2026, as ticket sales for the Women’s Six Nations clash against England have already surpassed 19,000. This massive turnout at Murrayfield will shatter the long-standing attendance record for women’s sport in Scotland, previously held by the national football team. [link]
• The WRU board is currently working to get ahead of a potential Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) by sending a united letter to every club in Wales. They are defending their “unanimous” decision to partner with Y11 for the future of Cardiff, claiming it was the strongest bid on its merits. While the board admits it inherited a “financial crisis” and a “debilitating” mess from past regimes, they insist their new plan for only three properly funded professional teams is the only way to secure a sustainable future for the game. [link]
• In a critical high-stakes appearance, members of the Canada national rugby teams stepped into the Dragons’ Den to pitch a $250,000 sponsorship. The segment highlighted the stark financial plight of elite athletes who receive only $1,300 to $2,000 a month to compete for their country. While the Dragons were dismayed by the lack of government support, they ultimately declined to invest, citing the difficulty of a sponsorship model over equity ownership. [link]
• The SEA Women’s XV Championship 2026 kicked off with a gritty 15-15 draw between Malaysia and Singapore. Both teams showed some rustiness after long layoffs from Test rugby, yet they delivered a back and forth battle in the Kuala Lumpur heat. Singapore controlled much of the possession, but Malaysia’s scramble defense and clinical finishing kept them in the hunt. A last minute try by Singapore’s Syirin Hashim ultimately leveled the score to split the points. [link] 
• Spain has officially appointed Régis Sonnes as the new head coach of Las Leonas to lead the team through the next World Cup cycle. The Frenchman, who previously coached the Spanish men’s side in the 2010s, replaces Juan Marruecos following a 2025 World Cup campaign marked by rumors of camp discontent. Sonnes plans to implement a bold, unpredictable style of play while working closely with former captain Aroa González to strengthen the team’s culture. [link]
• Despite Whitney Hansen’s landmark appointment as Black Ferns head coach, Alice Soper reports that women’s coaching stats in New Zealand are trending downward. Women hold just 22% of high-performance roles, with many qualified coaches moving overseas for leadership opportunities due to a lack of domestic growth. The number of teams without any female coaches has doubled since 2023, signaling a need for targeted intervention. [link]

Domestic

• USA Club rugby is delivering high-stakes drama across the Gulf Coast and Pacific regions this week. In the Red River Premiership, Life University remains unbeaten in D1 after a decisive win over the sHARCs, while Little Rock dominated D2 with a massive shutout. Out West, Life West made a major statement in NorCal with a 98-3 victory, and the San Diego Surfers continue to lead a tight undefeated race in SoCal. [link]
• Round 10 of the Welsh Premiership saw Llandaff North RFC maintain their lead at the top of the table after a clinical 34-7 victory over Burry Port. Seven Sisters delivered the most dominant performance of the weekend with a 39-0 shutout against Ynysddu, while the closest battle took place between Bonymaen and Pontyclun, with Bonymaen edging out a narrow 25-24 victory. Additionally, Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd secured a 22-14 win over Caernarfon to round out the weekend’s results. [link]
• Round 8 of the BC Premier Women’s division saw Meraloma maintain their position at the top of the table, though they dropped a tough match to Westshore 21-34. Castaway Wanderers delivered the round’s biggest blowout, crushing Seattle 85-7, while Burnaby Lake secured a tight 19-10 road win over the UBCOB Ravens.  [link]
• Round 13 of the Irish Energia AIL Division saw a clean sweep of away wins, headlined by UL Bohemian maintaining their perfect 13-0 record at the top of the table. The most dominant performance came from Blackrock College in a 60-0 shutout of Tullow, while Railway Union and Old Belvedere also secured clinical bonus-point victories on the road. The most competitive match of the weekend took place at Shaw’s Bridge, where Ennis edged out Cooke 31-27 thanks to a dramatic 78th-minute try from Aoibhín Donnelly. [link]
• Round 10 of the PWR was a weekend of high drama, featuring two massive draws and a clinical shutout. The league leaders, Gloucester-Hartpury, extended their perfect season to 10-0 with a 22-7 away win over Sale, maintaining their spot at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Saracens delivered the round’s biggest statement, crushing Leicester Tigers 81-0 with four tries from Jess Breach to keep pace in the title race. [link]
• Round 10 of the Italian Serie A Elite Femminile saw league leaders Valsugana Rugby Padova deliver a historic 99-0 shutout against Neapolis. The win firmly secures Valsugana’s spot at the top of the table as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. This dominant display featured 15 tries and keeps them well ahead of their closest rivals, Villorba, who still have a game in hand to play later this month against Benetton. [link]
• Round 9 of the AXA Elite 1 was headlined by a massive top-of-the-table clash where Stade Toulousain handed ASM Romagnat their first loss of the season with a 23-17 victory. This win keeps Toulouse perfect and extends their lead in the standings. Stade Bordelais kept pace by delivering the round’s biggest blowout, a 55-7 win over Toulon, while Blagnac and Montpellier also secured key victories. [link]
• The opening round of the Uganda Women’s XVs League kicked off, marking the start of a restructured season where seven teams will compete in a home and away format over 14 matchdays. Defending champions Black Pearls began their quest for a fifth consecutive title with a strong 28-13 victory over the Ewes at Kings Park Arena. [link]
• The 2026 Kenya Cup Women’s League season is officially underway as of February 7. Four-time defending champions Mwamba Women opened their title defense at home against Shamberere, looking to continue their long-standing dominance. While most scores are still rolling in, the Kenya Harlequins (Quins Queens) made a massive statement early by defeating the NYS Spades 46-5. [link]
• The Urban Rugby Championship (URC) in the USA is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2026, marking its growth from a 2015 meeting in Las Vegas into a premier national stage for youth from under-resourced communities. Originally launched in Memphis in 2022, the tournament has since expanded to Los Angeles and New Orleans, providing elite opportunities for minority students to compete on professional stages. This year’s milestone event kicks off March 20 in Dallas, continuing the mission of removing barriers to the sport. [link]

Women’s Rugby Features

• Postpartum return to rugby: new global guidelines for coaches and players [link]
• Ghana Rugby Launches Programme to Empower Kayayei Women Through Sport [link]
• New Rugby Sevens relegation system has players on edge [link]
• ‘We’re in a different world’: Jilly Collins outlines the Wallaroos’ growth [link]
• With Ellie Kildunne in her way, what can England do with Emma Sing? [link]
• Three key talking points as South Africa Women’s Super League looms [link]
• Asia Hogan-Rochester: ‘I do want to challenge myself in ways I’ve never experienced before’ [link]
• Waratahs renew partnership with Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation [link]
• Uganda Rugby Premiership season launched [link]
• Canada U21 squad named for ‘valuable’ Ireland and England tour [link]
• ‘It’s a little tainted’: Moloney-MacDonald reflects on World Cup experience [link]
• What’s next for women’s rugby? [link]
• The Isuzu Bulls Daisies have officially unveiled their new season jersey, marking a defining moment in the continued professionalisation of women’s rugby in South Africa. [link]
• Ruby Tui – ‘I See Things As A Sign That It’s Only Going To Get Better’ [link]
• Balance of Power – who wields the big stick in English rugby? [link]
• A New Voice Across the Pond: Wendy Young joins PWR as ‘play-by-play’ guest [link]
• Amy Rule: ‘We’re set-piece dominated compared to Kiwi teams- I love it’ [link]
• Wales’ Gwenllian Pyrs: Mornings on the farm and afternoons on the pitch [link]
• How Charlie Beckett wants to add value to the game with the Women’s Rugby Roadmap [link]
• Why new coach Sione Fukofuka can take Scotland “to the next level” [link]

Women’s Rugby Media

• Le Rouge Rugby: Long Distance Travel Plans
• Challenging the Game: Being playful matters
• The Bonus Point Rugby Pod: Crafting Rugby Stories that Stick
• Rugby Rodeo: The Journey to the Red Roses Featuring Jess’ Mum
• LTW Fancast: Determined Defence in Devon
• The Women’s Rugby Podcast: Margins, Momentum & Leadership