Mwamba’s 5-Peat, Majadahonda Retains the Cup & WER Year 2 Kicks Off | WRR 244

We’re is still celebrating 20 years, and the giveaways continue! Next up on our journey is chasing the 8,000-follower mark. To be eligible for the next individual drawing, make sure you are following both @YSCRugby and @BooshiePromo on Instagram AND have commented on the pinned Anniversary post.

Want to hook your team up, too? You can enter yourself into the individual milestone drawings and register your team for the massive Grand Prize giveaway at the end of the celebration by commenting your club’s name on our pinned Anniversary post. It has been an incredible 20 year journey so far and we are not slowing down!

Women’s Rugby XVs News

International

• Asia Championships
  • The Sakura Fifteen opened their 2026 Asia Rugby Women’s Championship title defense with a dominant 64-12 victory over Kazakhstan in Almaty. After overcoming early nerves and rustiness, a new-look Japanese side found its rhythm and scored twelve tries overall, including a hat trick by winger Rinka Matsuda. While Kazakhstan showed great grit at the ruck, Japan’s resolute defense and relentless attacking pressure secured the win. Interim Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa and Captain Moe Tsukui praised the team’s six debutants while noting key areas for improvement ahead of their next match against Hong Kong China on May 5. [link]
• W6N U21 Series
  • The second round of the Women’s U21 Six Nations Series delivered immense drama and high-scoring matches across the board. Wales bounced back from their opening defeat to edge Italy 33-29 in a see-saw, nine-try thriller in Piacenza, using their dominant driving maul to overcome a narrow halftime deficit. Meanwhile, Ireland made history at the Butts Park Arena by securing their first-ever U21 victory over England, mounting a 24-point unanswered comeback to hold on for a thrilling 41-40 win. Finally, France put on a ruthless attacking masterclass in Tarbes, completely shutting out Scotland in a dominant 113-0 victory. [link]
• Kenya Cup
  • Mwamba made history by claiming their fifth consecutive Kenya Cup title after defeating Quins 30-20 in a thrilling and hard-fought final. Despite early tries from Mwamba’s Edith Nariaka and Christabel Shebesh, Quins fought back to take a 13-10 lead into the halftime break. Mwamba responded with intent in the second half, regaining control through tries from Laura Nzioki and Irene Awino before Edith scored her second of the match. Substitute Ann Namnyak sealed the victory with a late try in the corner, and although Quins had the final say with a late score under the posts, Mwamba’s dominant second-half display secured the historic five-peat championship. [link]
• Other News
  • World Rugby has entered into a long-term strategic media rights partnership with global sports marketing agency IMG to accelerate the sport’s growth in the United States and globally. This agreement aims to drive market strategy, content distribution, and audience reach ahead of the landmark Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033. Building on a thirty-year relationship, IMG will offer media advisory and consulting services as the United States hosts a record schedule of international rugby in 2026. This collaborative effort with national unions and stakeholders will maximize commercial success and build major momentum in one of rugby’s most strategically important markets. [link] 
  • Former Welsh international Nadine Griffiths has been appointed as the Welsh Rugby Union’s new director of women’s rugby, stepping into a role she describes as a calling rather than a job. Bringing a wealth of elite and community experience, the 44-times-capped former player and level three coach transitions from her role as Community Foundation Director at Cardiff Rugby. Tasked with strengthening the pathways and driving participation across the country, Griffiths aims to inspire a new generation of players and maximize Welsh representation ahead of the inaugural women’s British and Irish Lions tour in 2027. [link]
  • The Brazil Rugby Union has officially appointed former national team player Guilherme Coghetto as the new head coach of the Yaras XV. Having previously served as the team’s line coach during their historic 2025 World Cup campaign, Coghetto brings a wealth of coaching experience across the Rugby Sevens World Series and Super Rugby Americas. In his new role, he is tasked with evolving the team’s playing style and culture, maintaining the continuity of the veteran core, and identifying emerging young talent ahead of the 2029 World Cup qualifiers. [link]
    • The Yaras will make their first on-field appearance of 2026 on May 30, hosting Colombia at the Estádio do Nacional in São Paulo. While the matchup will not count toward the World Ranking, it serves as a critical first step for Brazil as they prepare for their debut in the WXV in Hong Kong this September. Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Guilherme Coghetto, the friendly forms part of a doubleheader with the Super Rugby Americas and aims to test emerging talent while laying the foundation for future World Cup qualifiers. [link]
  • The Wallaroos will host Scotland for a historic two-Test home series this October, marking the first time the Scottish side has toured Australia. The series opens on October 17 at Accor Stadium in Sydney as part of a major double-header alongside the Wallabies’ Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand, returning the women’s national team to the venue for the first time in eight years. The two nations will then meet again on October 23 in a standalone Test at GIO Stadium in Canberra to conclude the Wallaroos’ 2026 international season. This series holds extra significance as it immediately follows a standalone clash between the two teams in Edinburgh, giving the Wallaroos a crucial opportunity to build momentum on the road to the 2029 Rugby World Cup. [link]
  • Canada’s will close out the domestic leg of the WXV Global Series when they host reigning World Champions, the England Red Roses, at TD Place in Ottawa on Friday, October 23, 2026. This highly anticipated clash marks the second and final stop of The Rugby Rematch Tour, which begins a week earlier at Toronto’s BMO Field. The Ottawa match holds special significance for Rugby Canada, as the team looks to build on the momentum of their last appearance at TD Place, which drew a record standalone crowd of 11,453 fans. To manage the high demand for this World Cup final rematch, Rugby Canada has launched a structured, phased ticket release strategy to ensure fans secure their preferred seating options ahead of game day. [link]
• Look Ahead
  • The rugby doesn’t stop with more this week and weekend! The Asia Rugby Championship continues in Almaty as Japan faces Hong Kong China on May 5, followed by Kazakhstan taking on Hong Kong China on May 10. The Guinness Six Nations returns on May 9 with three critical matches as Italy hosts England, Scotland welcomes France, and Ireland clashes with Wales in Belfast. That same day, Tunisia takes on the Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup Championship, and the Vancouver Thunderbirds battle Westshore for the BC Premier Championship title. Rounding out the weekend on May 10, the next generation takes the field for Round 3 of the Women’s U21 Six Nations Series with Scotland playing Italy, Wales facing Ireland, and England matching up against France. [link]

Domestic

• Americas
  • The opening weekend of Year 2 of the Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) delivered a thrilling start to the season with three high-stakes matchups. Boston set the tone early by defeating the 2025 Legacy Cup runners-up, the New York Exiles, 38-19, behind their dominant set piece and a highly entertaining, free-flowing style of play. Meanwhile, the TC Gemini put on a dynamic and exciting performance to overpower the Chicago Tempest 78-22, leaving the Tempest still searching for their first victory in the competition. The biggest statement of the weekend belonged to the Bay Breakers, who pulled off a major 36-19 upset against the defending 2025 Legacy Cup champions, the Denver Onyx, handing the powerhouse team just their third loss in WER history. [link]
    • Beyond the action on the pitch, it was incredibly inspiring to see players and fans come together in a massive display of community and inclusion. Throughout the weekend, crowds and athletes alike proudly showed their support for transgender players by waving flags, wearing vibrant face paint, tape, gear, and holding up signs. The overwhelming sense of solidarity and warmth across the venues made it clear that every body is a rugby body.
  • The final two Super Regionals wrapped up with intense competition, locking in the championship contenders across the country. In the Atlantic Super Regional, NOVA captured the Women’s Division 1 title, while the Phoenixville White Horse secured the Division 2 crown, and Portland claimed the Division 3 victory. Over in the Northern Super Regional, the Utah Vipers took home the top spot in Division 1, and the Milwaukee Scylla emerged victorious in Division 2. [link]
    • These results set the stage for an exciting USA Club Rugby National Championship lineup. In Division 1, the San Diego Surfers, Utah Vipers, NOVA, and Life University will battle it out for the national title. Meanwhile, the Division 2 championship will be contested between Life West, Milwaukee Scylla, Phoenixville White Horse, and the Tampa Bay Krewe in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the season. All matches will be streamed and you can watch on the USA Club Youtube. [link]
  • Clubs showed the same types of solidarity across the weekend with transgender players with flags, colored tape and more.
• Europe
  • Silicius Majadahonda successfully defended their Copa de la Reina Iberdrola title after securing a hard-fought 22-17 victory over Rialta CRAT Coruña in Leganés. Playing in front of over one thousand spectators at the Ontime Butarque Stadium, the Madrid team overcame an early deficit before taking a narrow 12-10 lead into the halftime break. After the Galicians battled back to tie the match at 17-17 in the second half, Portuguese standout Adelina Da Costa completed her brace by scoring the game-winning try in the 66th minute. The victory consolidates Majadahonda’s position at the top of Spanish women’s rugby, while CRAT Coruña left with their heads held high after pushing the reigning champions right to the final whistle. [link]
• Oceania
  • The Fijian Drua have named their squad for the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season, blending experienced international talent with twelve new debutants. Two-time title-winning hooker Bitila Tawake has been appointed to captain the side, supported by vice-captains Alfreda Fisher and Kolora Lomani. The squad features a strong veteran core anchored by its most-capped player and 2024 captain, prop Karalaini Naisewa, alongside the exciting return of speedster Atelini Buna. The Drua will kick off their season on the road against the Waratahs on June 6, followed by two back-to-back home matches in Nadi as they look to reclaim the championship title. [link]
  • The reigning six-time champion NSW Waratahs have announced their 31-player squad for the 2026 Super W’s season as they aim to secure their third consecutive title. Under the guidance of head coach Michael Ruthven, the Waratahs have prioritized continuity by retaining twenty-four players from last year’s title-winning squad, while also welcoming twelve capped Wallaroos. This highly experienced roster boasts a combined 379 Super Rugby Women’s caps, anchored by veteran prop Emily Robinson, who stands as the most-capped player in the group with 40 appearances. The Waratahs will kick off their title defense at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, June 6, where they will go head-to-head against the Fijian Drua. [link]
• Africa
• Asia

Women’s Rugby Features

• Kenya Lionesses duo set for historic Rugby Premier League debut [link]
• WER Ready to Ruck n Roll Into Second Year [link]
• How ‘rubbish’ Olympic medal inspired New Zealand star Ruby Tui’s rush to greatness [link]
• Pop star Meghan Trainor makes ‘game-changing’ investment in US competition [link]
• ‘Every body is a rugby body’: US women players fight for inclusivity after trans ban [link]
• Sophie de Goede: ‘I was back in purgatory. It’s been a long road’ [link]
• Breaking down the 2026 Women’s Elite Rugby season [link]
• WRU chair hunt begins, clubs have no say and leading candidate from within [link]
• Women’s Rugby Players Were Told to Keep a $25,000 Gift Quiet. The Donor Was Epstein [link]
• Scottish Rugby Union investigating complaints after ‘rape joke’ at club dinner [link]
• Tunisia Hosts Promotion Battle as Morocco’s Women Make Historic International Rugby Debut [link]
• USRF Awards 9 Student-Athletes with 2025-2026 Collegiate Scholarships [link]
• ‘He has left an amazing legacy’ – Daughter’s tribute as pivotal Wicklow women’s rugby coach laid to rest [link]
• Integrity Doesn’t Fit in a Manila Folder: An Open Letter to Quinnipiac Leadership [link]
• “Coaching in the UK is a hostile environment for women” – Part 3 [link]
• Wales captain Williams to miss remainder of Women’s Six Nations [link]
• Prolific try-scorer Ivania Wong named in star-studded Brumbies squad [link]
• Women’s Rugby World Cup final rematch between Canada and England set for Toronto [link]
• Everything you need to know about Meg Jones: England Women’s Rugby captain, World Cup winner, and Magic Meg [link]
• Women’s Rugby Roadmap: One platform for every part of your game [link]
• ‘I’ve really found my place here’: Muir recommits to Gloucester Hartpury [link]
• W6N Brain Dump, Round 3: My Honest Take On Attending A Red Roses Game [link]
• Springbok Women’s Sevens face uphill battle for promotion after tough Hong Kong outing [link]
• W6N: Helen Nelson urges Scots teammates to keep faith during difficult rebuilding phase [link]
• Solontsi and Mabenge to challenge for Rugby Africa Women’s Cup spots [link]
• ‘Always have a plan’: How players prepare for retirement [link]
• Op-Ed: Quinnipiac Eliminating Rugby as Varsity Brings Up Previous Title IX Issues [link]
• Pacific Islanders Connect president: Creating a space of belonging [link]
• Rugby Nations Meet in Zimbabwe to Strengthen Systems for the Future of African Rugby [link]
• Swys de Bruin names 10 uncapped stars in first Springbok Women squad of 2026
  [link]
• Two-time defending champs Waratahs unveil stacked squad for 2026 [link]
• Tuipulotu to trade three-time PWR champions for West London [link]
• Super Rugby Women’s: Everything you need to know [link]
• “We’re told not to say bold things”: England rugby star Ellie Kildunne is rewriting the rules for women in sport [link]
• Capturing the dynamism and community of women’s rugby [link]
• Hayley Parsons rips apart Collier-Keywood’s WRU reign and has a message for entire board [link]

Women’s Rugby Media

• NY 1’s “The Rush Hour”: N.Y. women’s rugby team gears up for second season
• Challenging The Game: Soft Skills, finding opportunities in water breaks and scaffolding challenge
• Full Credit: Three-Peat Loading?
• The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby: Why Women’s Rugby is Good Business
• LTW Fancast: Tigers Women U23s for the win, Sale Sharks U23
• Squidge Rugby:
  • So how did France wash Wales? | Women’s Six Nations 2026
  • So how did Ireland push France all the way? | Women’s Six Nations 2026
  • So how did Italy vanquish Scotland? | Women’s Six Nations 2026
• Women’s Rugby Treehouse: Is the same French team turning up?
• Her Side of the Ruck:
  • Women’s Six Nations Round 4 Preview
  • How many times to the TMO? Women’s Six Nations Round 3 Review
• Women’s Rugby Podcast: From Aviva Drama to Six Nations Test