Brazil Stuns the Sevens World, Wolfhounds Complete Three-Peat, and WRU Chair Steps Down | WRR 239

The 10K March is officially picking up speed! After a big week where the community helped us blast past the 7,000 follower mark on Instagram, we have officially pivoted our focus toward the 8K sprint. We are thrilled to announce that our first winner has been selected and their custom Booshie gear will be heading their way shortly. 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!

Women’s Rugby 7s News

International

• Hosts Brazil pulled off a massive upset in the final match of the HSBC SVNS 2 Series in Sao Paulo, defeating Kenya 24-12 to claim both the tournament title and the final qualification spot for the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series. Player of the tournament Thalia Costa scored twice in the second half to seal the win, ensuring As Yaras will join Argentina, South Africa, and Spain in the elite season-ending series starting in Hong Kong this April. The qualifying teams now move on to the three-tournament World Championship Series in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux, where they will compete against the world’s core sevens nations. [link]

Domestic

• Japan has confirmed the details for the 2026 Taiyo Seimei Sevens Series, introducing a second Challenger Tournament weekend to give emerging teams more high-level exposure. The series kicks off in Nagoya this May and follows a promotion-relegation format, with the top 12 core teams battling through regular stops in Kumagaya, Tochigi, and Kitakyushu. Nagato Blue Angels enter the season as heavy favorites after securing their third consecutive title last year. The campaign wraps up with a winner-takes-all Grand Final in Sapporo on August 9, serving as a critical pathway for identifying talent for Japan’s elite national programs. [link]

Women’s Rugby XVs News

International

• Interim coach Sam Needs led the Wallaroos to a 33-15 season-opening victory over Fijiana in Canberra as Australia begins its long-term build toward hosting the 2029 Rugby World Cup. Debutant flyhalf Nicole Ledington stole the show with an opening try and a crucial try-saver, helping the side overcome some early rust and a yellow card. The Australians now shift their focus to a North American trip in two weeks, where they will face Canada in a highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final rematch. [link]
• Europe Championship
  • The Netherlands delivered a statement win in the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship, shutting out Portugal 59-0 at the National Rugby Center. The Dutch side was dominant from start to finish, keeping Portugal scoreless while solidifying their place at the top of the standings alongside Spain. Portugal will look to bounce back in their next outing against the Spanish side on April 11, while the Netherlands shifts focus toward maintaining this momentum in the tournament. [link]
  • Spain kicked off their 2026 Rugby Europe Championship campaign with a decisive 39-0 shutout victory over Belgium at El Cantizal Stadium. Las Leonas kept the Belgian side off the scoreboard entirely, matching the dominant winning start seen by the Netherlands earlier in the weekend. This result leaves Spain and the Netherlands tied at the top of the table as the competition heads into the next round of fixtures. [link]
• The Wolfhounds have secured their third consecutive Celtic Challenge title after defeating the Clovers 50-29 in an all-Irish final at Hive Stadium. Despite a gritty performance from the Clovers, who led early in the second half, the Wolfhounds’ power proved too much as they pulled away with eight tries. Player of the Match Erin King and prop Linda Djougang both crossed twice to seal the victory, providing a massive momentum boost for the many squad members now heading into Ireland’s Six Nations campaign. [link]
• Welsh Rugby Union chairman Richard Collier-Keywood has announced he will step down this July at the end of his term, a move that comes amid significant criticism over plans to cut Wales’ professional teams from four to three. While he was facing an EGM vote to oust him next month, his departure aims to allow for a smooth recruitment process and provide clarity before that meeting takes place. Collier-Keywood leaves behind a restructured board and a refinanced financial position, though his successor will inherit the ongoing debate over the future strategy for the regional game. [link]
• World Rugby
  • World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has confirmed a massive strategic push for the women’s game during his recent visit to South America, highlighting Brazil as a key emerging power. Following a dedicated regional workshop, Gilpin emphasized that the WXV Global Series remains the vital pathway for South American teams to reach the 2029 World Cup. Additionally, the Americas Rugby Championship is slated for a major return in 2027, which will provide a formalized competitive structure for women’s and men’s teams across North and South America. [link]
  • On the global stage, Gilpin noted that the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup in the USA is a primary focus for the organization. World Rugby estimates a base of 40 million fans in the U.S. and is currently working to secure “smart” broadcast deals to ensure the 2033 tournament serves as a massive commercial engine for the entire sport. With Brazil making significant strides in women’s XVs and the sevens circuit continuing to grow, the region is being positioned as a central pillar in World Rugby’s plan to globalize the game before the next decade. [link]
• Pacific 4 Series
  • Head Coach Kevin Rouet has named a 30-player squad for the 2026 Pacific Four Series as Canada kicks off a new four-year cycle leading toward the 2029 Rugby World Cup. The roster features 18 returning stars from the 2025 World Cup team, including captain Alexandra Tessier and standout Sophie de Goede, alongside seven potential debutants. The series begins April 11 in California and includes a high-stakes semifinal rematch against Australia in Kansas City. [link]
  • New Zealand
    • The Black Ferns have officially launched a new era under head coach Whitney Hansen, unveiling an exciting 30-player squad for the Pacific Four Series that balances established powerhouses with explosive fresh talent. Highlighting the roster is the inclusion of eight potential debutants, including high school sensation Justine McGregor and Farah Palmer Cup Player of the Year Hollyrae Mete-Renata, who has been spectacular in the Super Rugby Aupiki midfield. While the squad leans on the experience of 20 returning World Cup stars like co-captain Ruahei Demant, there is a notable integration of players currently plying their trade in the UK’s PWR. [link] 
    • The Black Ferns are facing a new challenge as several top stars trade their New Zealand contracts for full seasons in the UK’s PWR. While veterans like Amy Rule and Alana Borland are currently ineligible for Whitney Hansen’s squad due to strict domestic playing rules, hooker Georgia Ponsonby was recently granted a board exemption to join the upcoming Pacific Four series. This tension highlights a growing gap in the New Zealand calendar, with players heading north not for bigger paychecks, but for the consistent, high-level game time that the current domestic structure lacks. As the 2027 Lions Tour and the 2029 World Cup loom, NZR will have to decide whether to soften eligibility stance or risk losing their best talent to the grind of the professional northern leagues. [link]
• Guinness Six Nations
  • New head coach François Ratier has named a 32-player France squad, following a final preparation camp at the National Rugby Centre. The selection reflects a “squad review” aimed at refining a new, structured game plan after observing recent Elite 1 matches. Les Bleues will host Italy in Grenoble and Ireland in Clermont-Ferrand, with Ratier emphasizing a ruthless selection process to ensure the group is ready for the tournament’s opening stages. [link]
  • Wales head coach Sean Lynn has named a 38-player squad for the 2026 Six Nations, appointing flanker Kate Williams as captain to lead a new-look group into the 2029 World Cup cycle. The roster features nine uncapped players and leans heavily on domestic talent, with 25 athletes selected directly from the Celtic Challenge pathways of Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning. A standout story in the squad is the return of experienced backrower Alisha Joyce, who made her competitive comeback just 123 days after giving birth. Wales will open their campaign at the Principality Stadium on April 11 against Scotland as they look to integrate fresh faces into the international arena. [link]
  • Scotland
    • Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm has addressed the “hard read” concerning the mistreatment of players during last year’s World Cup, where contract uncertainty led to significant mental health struggles within the squad. While Scottish Rugby previously defended its actions, Malcolm notes that communication has improved and the union is now working more closely with the players to ensure these issues aren’t repeated. As the team prepares for the 2026 Six Nations under new head coach Sione Fukofuka, the focus remains on pushing for a culture where the squad feels genuinely supported off the pitch. [link]
    • Scottish Rugby and Vodafone have announced a new documentary titled Emma Wassell: Laoch, which follows the Scotland star through the most grueling period of her career. Releasing on April 5, the film covers her recovery from a 27cm chest tumor and major surgery, all while she navigated the sudden loss of her mother. The title, meaning “warrior” in Scottish Gaelic, highlights her resilience and the support system within the squad that helped her return to the pitch. Ticket holders for the Scotland versus England match will get early access on April 4 before the public premiere on the Scottish Rugby YouTube channel. [link]
  • BBC Sport has announced comprehensive free-to-air coverage for the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, reflecting a massive 66% boom in women’s rugby fandom following last year’s World Cup. Every match will be available across TV, radio, and online starting April 11, with former England captain Zoe Stratford joining a heavyweight punditry team that includes Maggie Alphonsi and Ugo Monye. The broadcast schedule kicks off with a triple-header on opening day, featuring England v Ireland on BBC One and Wales v Scotland on BBC Two. With over 60,000 tickets already sold for the Red Roses’ opener at Allianz Stadium, the tournament is set to capitalize on record-breaking interest and a growing professional landscape. [link]
• The 2026 WXV Global Series is officially launching a transformative three year cycle that completely redefines the road to the 2029 Rugby World Cup in Australia. This new high performance structure is strictly based on the final rankings from the 2024 season, which has created some eyebrow raising exclusions across the international landscape. While the top eighteen spots are locked in through 2028,  teams like Kazakhstan and Kenya are sitting on the outside looking in despite holding higher world rankings than some teams included in the series. For those on the bubble, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the WXV Emerging Nations tier will serve as the absolute final qualification pathway for the 2029 global showpiece. While we know the primary action will take place across a dedicated eight-week window this September and October, we’re still working tirelessly to piece the full schedule together as national unions finalize their bilateral agreements and announce their marquee home matches. [link]

Domestic

• Americas
  • USA Club Women’s Rugby is reaching a fever pitch as April championship matchups and playoff brackets lock in across the country. In the D1 landscape, undefeated powerhouses like the All Blues and San Diego continue to dominate the Pacific. Title matches are now officially set for April 11 in several regions, including the Rocky Mountain D2 final between Pikes Peak and the SLUGS and the Red River D3 showdown featuring Dallas and Bay Area. With semifinals kicking off in the Carolinas, SoCal, and the EPRU, the road to the Super Regionals is narrowing quickly as teams fight to keep their seasons alive. [link]
  • In Round 11 of the BC Premier division, the Vancouver Thunderbirds delivered a statement road win by defeating Castaway Wanderers 24-7 at Windsor Park. This victory is a massive momentum shifter for the Thunderbirds as they continue to climb the standings and close the gap on the top four. Outside of that clash, it was a quiet weekend for the rest of the league as Meraloma, Westshore, and Burnaby Lake were all out of action heading into the Easter break. The focus now shifts to a high-stakes return on April 11, where the Thunderbirds will face league-leaders Westshore in a match that could officially shake up the top of the table. [link]
  • Rugby Femenil México has launched a digital campaign and collective protest following a March 21 incident where Rafael Díaz A., Treasurer of the Mexican Rugby Federation (FMRU) and a leader at Club Tazmania, was captured mocking women’s rugby during a men’s final trophy ceremony. The advocacy group argues that his “podium laughs” are not an isolated joke but a reflection of the systemic barriers and “symbolic violence” women face while fighting for visibility and resources in the sport. In a formal collective letter, the players are demanding the immediate removal and disqualification of Díaz A., alongside the establishment of an independent Gender Unit and a dedicated budget for the women’s branch. The campaign has sparked a wave of solidarity across Mexican clubs, with supporters pointing out the hypocrisy of a leadership that dismisses the very athletes who recently reached the HSBC SVNS 3 and have consistently delivered Mexico’s best international results. [link]
• Europe
  • Valsugana Rugby Padova has been crowned the 2025/26 Italian Champions after a dominant 35-3 victory over Villorba at the Mario Battaglini Stadium. This win secures their sixth national title and caps off an impressive undefeated season in the Serie A Elite. Elettra Costantini took home the Player of the Match honors in front of 1,500 fans as the club continues to cement its legacy in the domestic game. [link]
  • Energia AIL
    • The regular season of the Energia AIL has come to a close with the semi-final matchups now officially confirmed for April 11. Defending champions UL Bohemian will host Old Belvedere, while Blackrock College secured home advantage for their clash against Railway Union after a gritty 17-7 win in the final round. In the battle for league survival, Cooke’s victory over Wicklow was enough to secure their top-flight status, leaving bottom-side Tullow facing a promotion/relegation play-off despite their late-season surge. [link]
    • The IRFU has announced a major restructure of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division to strengthen the pathway from junior to senior rugby. Starting in the 2026/27 season, the league will expand to 12 teams before transitioning into two tiers of six to improve competitive balance across all four provinces. This new format aims to stabilize the domestic game while supporting players as they move between club, Celtic Challenge, and international representative levels. [link]
  • The PWR entered its two-month Six Nations hiatus with a high-drama Round 16 that saw Saracens clinch a home semi-final and Gloucester Hartpury maintain their perfect season. A club-record crowd at Principality Stadium witnessed Bristol Bears stun Harlequins 17-14 behind an Emma Orr double, a result that likely ended the London side’s playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Abi Burton’s hat-trick propelled Trailfinders into a commanding fourth-place position after a 39-26 victory over Loughborough Lightning, moving them four points clear of Sale Sharks with a game in hand. As the league pauses for international duty, the race for the final post-season spot is now firmly in Trailfinders’ control heading into the final two rounds this May. [link]
  • A mass exodus of the women’s side at Coventry Welsh RFC has sparked a viral outcry after 26 players walked away from the club citing a total failure in safeguarding and player protection. Allegations shared by advocacy group @notallclubs and former players claim the team reported serious concerns including sexual harassment and physical assault, only to be met with minimization, isolation, and blame from club leadership. Players further allege that CCTV footage of a reported incident was shared and ridiculed by those connected to the club, leading to a “deny and deflect” culture that prioritized the institution over athlete safety. While Coventry Welsh RFC has largely moved to silence the discussion by disabling social media comments and reportedly deleting player testimonies, there has been no official response or announcement of a formal investigation from the RFU or the Warwickshire Rugby Union at this time. [link]
• Oceania
• Africa
  • Round 6 of the Uganda Premiership completely reshaped the top of the table heading into the final stretch. The Avengers secured the result of the weekend with a gritty 32–27 away victory over the Black Pearls, a win that moved them into a tie for second place with 19 points. Meanwhile, the Panthers managed a narrow 27–26 upset over the Nile Rapids, handing the Rapids their first loss of the season and preventing them from taking over the top spot. In the final fixture of the round, the EWES and She Wolves fought to a rare 18–18 draw, leaving the Thunderbirds alone at the summit with 20 points after six matches. [link]
  • The Isuzu Bulls Daisies have secured the top spot in the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League (WSL 1) following a dominant 95–5 victory over the Golden Lions, featuring a four-try performance by Thobile Msizazwe. They will face the Sanlam Boland Dames in the 2026 final at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday after the Dames clinched second place with a hard-fought 33–22 win over the Sharks. Meanwhile, DHL Western Province ended their campaign in third after defeating the EP Queens 42–17, while Free State surged past the Border Ladies 41–24 to secure a seventh-place finish. [link]
• Asia

Women’s Rugby Features

• ‘As if she had played 20 or 30 Tests’: Wallaroos unearth new star in big win over Fiji [link]
• Van der Velden to lead the Netherlands against Portugal [link]
• Roshini Turner – “Know Your Strengths” [link]
• ‘We are shifting our primary focus’: USA affirm long-term player development goal [link]
• Lift off for Women’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026! [link]
• Pasifika rugby stars and families celebrate at Hall of Fame awards [link]
• Top ten Red Roses appearance holders – most-capped England women’s rugby players [link]
• What can we expect from the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship 2026? [link]
• Arlo Parks and the Red Roses Celebrate Women’s Rugby With a Spoken Word Film [link]
• De Goede, de Jong headline Victoria athletes of the year awards [link]
• King Counting Down The Days To Ireland Captaincy Bow [link]
• Border Ladies safe in top flight regardless of Free State clash outcome [link]
• From Harvard to Sale – Erica Jarrell-Searcy’s epic PWR pilgrimage [link]
• New voices, new faces, big energy – Lynn’s fresh Wales start [link]
• U23s Show Out in Chula Vista 7s Camp
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• ‘Young girls can now dream about playing at the Aviva’: Scott Bemand on growth of the women’s game [link]
• Hyundai SA partners with Springbok Women rugby coach Swys de Bruin [link]
• “Coaching in the UK is a hostile environment for women” – Part 2 [link]
• The U.S. Rugby Foundation and the Graham Downes Fund Open Applications for 2026- 2027 Graham Downes Girls International Rugby Scholarship at Hartpury College [link]
• Beck named as Wales Six Nations attack coach [link]
• Rugby star Eve Higgins spills on fun weekend with Ilona Maher [link]
• Alisha Joyce named in 38-player Wales squad for Six Nations [link]
• Trailfinders’ White on why PWR play-off spot is becoming more of a reality [link]
• Ghana’s Samira Mensah, Rachel Ankomah And Matilda Clottey Selected For World Rugby Women In Rugby Careers Programme [link]
• A Guide to Scotland’s 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations Campaign [link]
• After this World Cup, Kansas City aims to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup — and more [link]
• Enfield rugby star, Niamh Gallagher on verge of senior Ireland cap [link]
• Nine uncapped players in Wales Six Nations squad [link]
• Blowing the Whistle on Sex-Based Disparities in Sport-Related Concussion Research [link]
• ‘It’s been awesome’: Justine McGregor relishing Black Ferns call-up [link]
• Red Roses to host New Zealand and Canada [link]
• Teneti clear standout in New York but Miller still leads MVP race [link]
• Buteme: Women’s rugby must move beyond survival to real growth [link]
• DHL Express Ireland And IRFU Renew Long Standing Partnership [link]
• After her historic Olympic bronze medal in rugby, Philly’s Ariana Ramsey hopes to grow the game [link]

Women’s Rugby Media

• Squidge Rugby: So how important is data in rugby? (with Sam Larner)
• Harpin’ on Rugby: Women’s Six Nations preview featuring RugbyKino of the MudderRucker podcast
• The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby: England Captaincy, Pregnancy & MOZO
• Banana and Bear’s Rugby Pod: “Who’s horse is that?”
• Rugby Rodeo: Six Nations LOADING & New Red Roses Captain
• Into the Unknown: Bailey Johnson on Rugby, Mental Health, and the Power of Coming Back
• Women’s Rugby Treehouse: Just Women’s Rugby
• The Women’s Rugby Podcast: Streaks, Semi-Finals and Showpieces