Argentina Strikes Gold as the Road to SVNS Finals Clears | WRR 238

The 10K March is officially moving! Just weeks after launching our 20th anniversary campaign, the community has stepped up to clear our first major hurdle by crossing 7,000 followers on Instagram. This milestone officially unlocks the first gear drop from our partners at Booshie Custom Gear, a testament to the growth of the game we’ve been covering since 2006. To stay eligible for the drawing and the upcoming 8K sprint, make sure you are following both @YSCRugby and @BooshiePromo and have tagged your club in the pinned Anniversary post to register your team for the Grand Prize. It has been an incredible 20 year journey so far and we are not slowing down as we pivot toward 8,000! [link]

Women’s Rugby 7s News

International

• Argentina’s women’s squad has made it back-to-back HSBC SVNS 2 titles after a gritty performance in Montevideo, officially punching their ticket to the season-ending World Championship Series. Led by player of the tournament Maria Brigido Chamorro, the Argentinians navigated three golden-point thrillers before clinching the gold with a 22-10 victory over South Africa. South Africa and Spain also secured their qualification for the showpiece events in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux, while China remains in the fourth and final promotion slot heading into the series finale in Sao Paulo. With Brazil and Kenya still mathematically in the hunt, the battle for that last qualification pass remains wide open as the circuit moves to the final stop next weekend. [link]
• The unofficial race between WRR and Maddison Levi has hit a fever pitch as the stakes get real.  Maddi is officially hunting the legends of the game and has recently lapped the pod with 252 career tries compared to our 238 episodes. She is now just four scores away from passing the retired Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (256) for second place all-time, with only the currently sidelined Michaela Brake (287) left at the top of the mountain. Fortunately, the SVNS circuit is on a break until the World Championships in Hong Kong on April 17, giving us exactly four Mondays to pad our lead. We should hit Episode 241 before she even steps back on the pitch to chase the world record. [link]

Women’s Rugby XVs News

International

• Andorra secured a 29–5 victory over Croatia in continuing matches in the Europe Conference. Despite playing on home soil, the Croatian side struggled to break through a disciplined Andorran defense, managing only a single score throughout the match. [link]
• The Celtic Challenge is set for an all-Irish blockbuster in Edinburgh next Saturday after both the Wolfhounds and the Clovers dismantled their Welsh opponents in Galway. The Wolfhounds continued their relentless march toward a third straight title by crushing Brython Thunder 36–10, powered by a dominant opening half and clinical finishing from stars like Stacey Flood and Eve Higgins. Meanwhile, the Clovers secured their spot with a 35–20 win over Gwalia Lightning, led by a standout performance from Enya Breen and a brace of tries from Alana McInerney. Both sides will head to the Hive Stadium at full strength, featuring over twenty members of the recently named Ireland Six Nations squad in what promises to be a high-stakes domestic clash for the trophy. [link]
• Welsh Governance Crisis
  • The future of Welsh rugby hangs in the balance as member clubs prepare for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on April 13 at the Principality Stadium. The headline motion is a vote of no confidence in WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood, largely fueled by the controversial proposal to reduce Wales’ professional clubs from four to three. While vocal opposition from former players and politicians suggests Collier-Keywood is on thin ice, the outcome is far from certain, as the WRU’s move to a hybrid meeting format could empower a “silent majority” of community clubs to back the board’s reform. Beyond the leadership vote, the meeting could determine the fate of the Ospreys, who face becoming a semi-professional outfit if the restructuring proceeds, while legal challenges from Swansea Council and alternative funding proposals from figures like Rob Regan add further layers of instability to an already fractured landscape. [link]
  • Rob Regan, the former Chief Operating Officer of Principality, has unveiled an alternative strategy for Welsh rugby designed to preserve all four Men’s professional regions while still boosting investment in the player pathway. Developed alongside several business leaders, the plan challenges the WRU’s claim that cutting a team is the only financial necessity, instead proposing a shared services model to eliminate duplication in medical, analysis, and academy services to save an estimated £5m. By prioritizing smarter spending and public partnerships, Regan argues that the economic and community value of a fourth region can be protected, offering a specific collaboration-based roadmap for clubs to consider ahead of the critical EGM vote. [link]
• Las Leonas XV are gearing up for their Rugby Europe Championship debut against Belgium on March 28 at El Cantizal Stadium. Head coach Régis Sonnes has named a 32-player squad that leans on the experience of 17 World Cup veterans, including cap-leader Lourdes Alameda and Sale Sharks back-rower Alba Capell. The roster also signals a transition for the Spanish side, with nine potential debutants included and the notable absence of key figures like Claudia Peña and Cristina Blanco. While Spain has historically dominated this fixture with lopsided shutouts in their only two previous meetings, the match marks a significant step for Belgium as they move up into the Championship after claiming the 2025 Trophy. [link]
• USA Rugby and the CRAA are teaming up for a huge weekend of rugby at Heart Health Park in Sacramento this April. The 2026 Women’s XVs National Championships will be held in tandem with the Pacific Four Series, giving collegiate finalists the chance to share the big stage with international stars. Fans can catch a five match slate over two days, starting with the D2 National Championship on Friday night followed by the D1 finals and the headline double header between the USA, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia on Saturday. It is a major move to bridge the gap between the collegiate pathway and the elite level, offering players and fans a high energy festival atmosphere in Northern California. [link]
• Guinness Women’s Six Nations
  • Italy has unveiled their 34-woman squad, striking a deliberate balance between veteran leadership and fresh talent. Head coach Fabio Roselli has called up seven debutants to join a core of established stars like centurion Sofia Stefan and captain Elisa Giordano. The selection process was notably extensive, with the coaching staff monitoring over twenty players competing in French and English leagues alongside the domestic Serie A Elite talent. This “beyond the scrum” approach aims to deepen the roster as the Azzurre prepare to gather in Rome on March 31st before their opening clash against France in Grenoble. [link]
  • England head coach John Mitchell has named a formidable 38-player squad with Meg Jones stepping in as captain. The roster is a heavy-hitting mix of experience and potential, featuring 25 World Cup winners alongside seven uncapped players ready to make their senior debuts. With over 1,100 combined caps, the squad remains the gold standard of international rugby, bolstered by veteran stalwarts like Marlie Packer and vice-captains Amy Cokayne and Alex Matthews. [link]
  • Head coach Scott Bemand has named a 36-player Ireland squad for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, with flanker Erin King set to captain the side. The group features a strong blend of experience and fresh talent, including nine uncapped players like Alana McInerney and Robyn O’Connor who recently shone in the Celtic Challenge. Ireland faces a massive start to the tournament on April 11th against England at Allianz Stadium, followed by a historic first-ever Galway fixture against Italy. Momentum is clearly building behind the team, as over 15,000 tickets have already been snapped up for their series finale against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium. [link]
  • Scotland head coach Sione Fukofuka has named a 38-player training squad, led once again by the experienced Rachel Malcolm. The roster is bolstered by the high-profile returns of Meryl Smith, Shona Campbell, and Louise McMillan, providing a significant boost to a group that already returns 24 players from last year’s World Cup. While stars like Lisa Thomson and Sarah Bonar remain sidelined through injury, the inclusion of seven development players from the Celtic Challenge highlights a clear focus on the future. The squad will gather at Oriam on March 31st to prepare for their opening clash in Cardiff, aiming to build on their consistency before a massive home fixture against England at Murrayfield. [link]
• The 2035 Rugby World Cup hosting race is heating up as Argentina officially consolidates its bid to bring the tournament to South America for the first time. The Argentine Rugby Union recently hosted World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin for technical feasibility sessions, highlighting a regional project in conjunction with Sudamérica Rugby that would integrate Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. This federal objective aims to capitalize on the massive growth of the sport across the continent, positioning the bid as a legacy project for the entire region. With Spain already signaling their intent and South Africa expected to petition as well, the competition is shaping up to be a global battle between emerging markets and traditional powerhouses. If World Rugby continues its current trend of awarding back to-back tournaments to the same region, a successful bid would likely see the Women’s Rugby World Cup follow suit in 2037. [link]

Domestic

• Americas
  • In Round 10 of the BC Premier, the Castaway Wanderers made a massive statement by dismantling the UBCOB Ravens in a 58–7 blowout, a result that keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish. Meanwhile, at Brockton, Meraloma secured a crucial 29–19 victory over the Vancouver Thunderbirds in a hard-fought battle between two of the league’s top contenders. These results leave Westshore still clinging to the top of the table with 37 points, though Meraloma is hot on their heels with 35 points and a game in hand. [link]
• Europe
  • Round 17 of the Energia AIL delivered a massive shock as Railway Union emphatically ended UL Bohemians’ 16-match winning streak with a 49–19 victory at Park Avenue. Rhiann Heery was the star of the show with a clinical hat-trick, helping Railway hand the league leaders their first loss of the season in a statement performance. History was also made at Blackgates where Tullow secured their first-ever AIL win, edging out Cooke 12–7 in a defensive battle. Elsewhere, Blackrock College stayed sharp with a 36–10 win over Old Belvedere, Ballincollig dominated Ennis 44–15, and Wicklow and Galwegians played out a thrilling 36–36 draw at Ashtown Lane. [link]
  • Round 13 of the AXA Elite 1 saw a big shakeup at the top as Stade Bordelais edged out league leaders Stade Toulousain 34–29 in a thriller. While Toulouse remains in first place on points difference, the gap has vanished, leaving them tied with ASM Romagnat at 58 points after Romagnat dismantled Montpellier 53–7. Elsewhere, Blagnac continued their steady form with a 28–14 road win over Stade Villeneuvois, and Rugby Club Toulon Provence Méditerranée secured a gritty 15–14 victory over the Amazones. The round concluded on Sunday with AC Bobigny 93 narrowly defeating Lyon 17–13, keeping the mid-table battle for playoff positioning tight as the season moves into the spring. [link]
  • Round 15 of the PWR saw Gloucester-Hartpury maintain their perfect season in spectacular fashion as they overcame a 19 point second half deficit to beat Loughborough Lightning 43-43 at the Gardens. Mia Venner ignited the comeback with a hat trick before Tatyana Heard snatched the winner in the final moments to keep the Circus unbeaten. The battle for the top four intensified as Sale Sharks climbed into a playoff spot with their fifth consecutive victory, a clinical 25-7 win over Bristol Bears. Trailfinders also made a move by leapfrogging Harlequins in the standings thanks to a late Abi Burton try that secured a 21-17 victory at the Stoop. Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs made quick work of Leicester Tigers with a 43-0 shutout to secure their bonus point within the first 25 minutes. With the season heading toward big stage clashes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Principality Stadium next week, the race for the semi finals is wide open. [link]
  • The Serie A Elite final is set and it is a familiar sight for Italian rugby fans. Valsugana and Villorba will face off in the Scudetto final for the sixth consecutive time after securing their spots in two very different semi finals. Valsugana was absolutely clinical in their match against Benetton, cruising to a 65-0 victory behind a Player of the Match performance from Aggio and a hat trick from Ostuni Minuzzi. Over in Villorba, the reigning champions had to dig deep against Colorno. Trailing 8-0 at the half, Villorba leaned on the experience of veterans Furlan and Barattin to spark a comeback, eventually clinching a 10-8 win thanks to a clutch penalty from Capomaggi. The stage is now set for the ultimate derby at the Mario Battaglini Stadium in Rovigo on March 29 to decide the Italian crown. [link]
• Oceania
• Africa
  • The penultimate round of the Pick n Pay Super League 1 saw a significant shift in the standings as the Sanlam Boland Dames moved into second place with a gritty 21-15 victory over rivals Western Province. This win puts Boland in the driver’s seat for a final berth against the Isuzu Bulls Daisies, who maintained their perfect season with a clinical 52-9 dismantling of the Free State. The Golden Lions pulled off a dramatic 19-18 comeback against the Sharks in Durban, snatching victory with a last-minute conversion, while the EP Queens dominated the Eastern Cape derby by blitzing the Border Ladies 36-10. With only one round of regular season play remaining, the momentum has swung toward Boland as the league looks toward the championship decider. [link]
• Asia

Women’s Rugby Features

• Béibhinn Parsons: ‘That French game stuck with us for a long time’ [link]
• Maxwell retires from rugby [link]
• John Mitchell urges Red Roses to become ‘one of greatest sports teams ever’ [link]
• Wales suffer double injury blow before Six Nations [link]
• Jayne Chan – Living the Rugby Dream [link]
• Catha Jacobs: ‘I decided that, for now, I want to get stuck in’ [link]
• Uncapped and young: France’s 2026 Six Nations training squad announced [link]
• Why Fukofuka has given Louise McMillan back her Scotland dream [link]
• Stacey Flood inspired to take down English rugby ‘celebrities’ [link]
• Blacklock announces international retirement  [link]
• Maceala Samboya’s rapid rise continues with Springbok Women’s Sevens call-up [link]
• Scott Bemand: We can be World Cup contenders in 2029 [link]
• Wales’ Williams promoted from co-captain to captain for Women’s Six Nations [link]
• England captain Stratford announces pregnancy  [link]
• “I’ve got a smile on my face every time I play” – Harlequins rising star Sarah Parry [link]
• Tess Feury: ‘If this season has taught us anything, it’s patience. Progress in sport is never linear’ [link]
• ‘I’m not the same person I was before’: England rugby star Abi Burton on encephalitis diagnosis [link]
• Maceala’s journey from Malmesbury to Montevideo [link]
• The Beginnings of Women’s Rugby in Scotland  [link]
• How rugby saved Paula George’s life…before cancer threatened to take it [link]
• Back-to-back games in Nadi for Drua women  [link]
• ‘There’s still more to come’: Lightning’s Westcombe Evans [link]
• Steve Salvin: ‘We never really let the foot off the gas’ [link]
• Nick James on being Sharks’ unsung hero in their top-four charge [link]

Women’s Rugby Media

• Bill Goren USA Rugby Transgender Policy Interview With Dr. Corinne Votaw
• The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby: Liv Apps
• Banana and Bear’s Rugby Pod: “Who’s Horse is That?”
• The Rugby Rodeo: Winning Gold at the Scariest Sport in the Olympics
• LTW Fancast: Trials and Tribulations of Running a Women’s Rugby Fancast
• Women’s Rugby Podcast: Survival, Semi-Finals and the Penultimate Round